Former Black Panthers Gather in Oakland for 60th Anniversary
Former members of the Black Panther Party are gathering in Oakland this weekend for a four-day commemoration marking 60 years since Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale founded the revolutionary organization in the city.
The Black Panther Party emerged in Oakland in 1964 as a response to police brutality and racial inequality. While the group became known for its iconic black berets and images of armed resistance, the organization built an extensive network of community programs designed to address systemic gaps in social services.
"This legacy was a legacy of love. It was based on the love of our community that young men and women laid their lives on the line to fight for the rights of, not only Black people, but all oppressed people," said Fredrika Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party Museum and Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation.
Extensive Community Programs
The organization established 65 survival programs during its active years, ranging from free breakfast programs for children to healthcare clinics and community support initiatives. These efforts aimed to fill voids that party leaders believed government agencies were failing to address.
Historic Reunion Brings Panthers Together
Panthers from across the nation are converging on Oakland for the anniversary celebration, which includes workshops, cultural programming and ceremonial events. For many attendees, this marks their first reunion under one roof since the 1960s.
"It feels other worldly in many ways. It's beautiful to see party members coming from all over the country," Fredrika Newton said.
Yusef Miller from the San Diego Black Panther Chapter emphasized the importance of connecting generations. "We are about the connecting from the old to the young. So, this is very important that they see us, knowing that they have passed the watch to a generation that is still dedicated, that is still in the struggle and will not give up," he said.
Engaging the Next Generation
Approximately 1,000 high school and college students are participating in the weekend events at no cost, providing younger generations direct access to the party's history and its living members.
"We need to keep the Black Panther party alive. It's bringing an awareness to Oakland that maybe some of the younger students and younger people know about how important the Black Party is," said Carinne Salnave, community school manager at Metwest High School.
City Recognition and Lasting Impact
The city will rename four blocks of Broadway as Black Panther Party Boulevard on Saturday. Mayor Barbara Lee, who previously worked with the organization as a community worker, praised its enduring influence on social justice movements.
"No one can deny that the Black Panther Party contributed to our freedom and to racial and economic justice. They were the north star," Lee stated.
