Newton’s importance and significance
Huey P. Newton and his partner Seale were the driving force behind the Black Panther Party, and through this group the two men successfully created a strong and brutal threat that the government could not ignore, providing African American citizens all over the nation with a new and possibly more efficient method in fighting for black civil rights.
As well as protecting citizens from racist attacks, looking out for police brutality and advocating for the ownership of guns by African Americans in the name of self-determination, the Black Panthers also provided a number of social service programs such as education, health and food programs to impoverished black communities. The Black Panther Party were rational in choosing who they were fighting against; while many other African American groups regarded all white people as enemies, the Black Panthers allied themselves with non-racist white progressives and believed that some wealthier African Americans could be oppressors as well. Most importantly, Newton’s party emphasized that symbolic, passive methods of raising awareness as previously practised may not be as effective as carrying out real actions that target the oppression of African Americans and other minority communities.
After the party's disbandment, several former Black Panther Party members have since held elected office in the United States, including:
Many of these former members have expressed their positive experiences in the party and continue to believe that the Black Panther Party played a key role in African American civil rights and the fight against capitalism. In 1989, a group called the New Black Panther Party was formed in Texas, having no relation with the original party. This new group has many activities similar to the original Black Panther Party, and is directly inspired by its beliefs of gun rights and self-determination. Although a few former Black Panther members have condemned this group for being illegitimate and using the party's name for publicity, this new Black Panther party is evidence of the strong legacy that the Black Panthers have left behind and its importance in inspiring future groups to continue the fight against racism and discrimination.
Huey P. Newton and his partner Seale were the driving force behind the Black Panther Party, and through this group the two men successfully created a strong and brutal threat that the government could not ignore, providing African American citizens all over the nation with a new and possibly more efficient method in fighting for black civil rights.
As well as protecting citizens from racist attacks, looking out for police brutality and advocating for the ownership of guns by African Americans in the name of self-determination, the Black Panthers also provided a number of social service programs such as education, health and food programs to impoverished black communities. The Black Panther Party were rational in choosing who they were fighting against; while many other African American groups regarded all white people as enemies, the Black Panthers allied themselves with non-racist white progressives and believed that some wealthier African Americans could be oppressors as well. Most importantly, Newton’s party emphasized that symbolic, passive methods of raising awareness as previously practised may not be as effective as carrying out real actions that target the oppression of African Americans and other minority communities.
After the party's disbandment, several former Black Panther Party members have since held elected office in the United States, including:
- Charles Barron of the New York City Council
- Nelson Malloy of the Winston-Salem City Council
- Bobby Rush of the US House of Representatives
Many of these former members have expressed their positive experiences in the party and continue to believe that the Black Panther Party played a key role in African American civil rights and the fight against capitalism. In 1989, a group called the New Black Panther Party was formed in Texas, having no relation with the original party. This new group has many activities similar to the original Black Panther Party, and is directly inspired by its beliefs of gun rights and self-determination. Although a few former Black Panther members have condemned this group for being illegitimate and using the party's name for publicity, this new Black Panther party is evidence of the strong legacy that the Black Panthers have left behind and its importance in inspiring future groups to continue the fight against racism and discrimination.
By having no family,
I inherited the family of humanity.
By having no possessions,
I have possessed all.
By rejecting the love of one,
I received the love of all.
By surrendering my life to the revolution,
I found eternal life.
Revolutionary Suicide.
- Huey P. Newton, from Revolutionary Suicide (1973)
Without the unapologetic acts of protest by Black Panther Party as led by Newton and Seale, the group would never have become internationally known, severely sabotaging the achievement of African American civil rights in America in the 20th century, as well as civil rights in dozens of other countries around the world.
I inherited the family of humanity.
By having no possessions,
I have possessed all.
By rejecting the love of one,
I received the love of all.
By surrendering my life to the revolution,
I found eternal life.
Revolutionary Suicide.
- Huey P. Newton, from Revolutionary Suicide (1973)
Without the unapologetic acts of protest by Black Panther Party as led by Newton and Seale, the group would never have become internationally known, severely sabotaging the achievement of African American civil rights in America in the 20th century, as well as civil rights in dozens of other countries around the world.