The Black Panther Party is stereotyped as a violent group, but there was more to the group. They created many programs to provide food, transportation, and clothing for the Black community. This was due to not being treated fairly by the government. One of the leading initiatives was the Free Breakfast for Children program that began in 1969. This program was one of the first successful ones providing breakfast to children before school. And it just so happens this was for Black children with a program created by people who looked like them.
The Black Panther Party was formed in 1966. The vision of the organization was to improve the lives of Black Americans who faced racial discrimination. Civil rights protestors were being brutalized by police, all while being non-violent. One of the Party’s goals was to find constitutional ways to defend the community. This is where the right to bear arms came into play. You saw them carry weapons as a protective tool. Also, they created the programs mentioned above to help the community at a time when the government was not providing poor Black families the resources to navigate life.
The Free Breakfast for Children Program started in Oakland, California. It came to be with donations from local supermarkets. By having consultant recommendations for nutritious meals options. By Party members cooking the food. The effects of the program were seen in schools. Teachers reported seeing more energy in the students to engage and be successful in school. The program was expanded to Black Panther Chapters in other states. At it’s height there were about 45 programs. The Black Panther’s mission was to service and the Free Breakfast for Children became the free breakfast we see today in many school districts. There were a few test programs before the Panthers, but they were the first successful one. It was not until the mid-1970’s in which it became common amongst many school districts in the country.
Being informed of history is very important. Knowing the facts related to Black History is even more important as this is the history this country tries to hide. The Black Panther Party also had a free medical program that did checkups and screenings for conditions such as sickle-cell. At that time, many Black people and many were not being appropriately diagnosed by medical professionals. Let’s remember the Black Panther Party and their contributions to society outside of their uniform.