The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary socialist organization founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. The party's original mission was to challenge police brutality and systemic discrimination against African Americans, as well as to advocate for the empowerment and liberation of Black communities.

The Black Panthers were known for their militant stance and iconic image of members donning black berets, leather jackets, and carrying firearms. They also established community programs such as free breakfast programs for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives to uplift the Black community.

The FBI under J. Edgar Hoover targeted the Black Panthers through its COINTELPRO program, leading to surveillance, infiltration, and disruption of the party's activities. The assassination of key leaders like Fred Hampton and the imprisonment of others contributed to the downfall of the organization in the early 1970s.

Despite its controversial methods and eventual decline, the Black Panther Party remains a significant part of Black history for its efforts to combat racial injustice, promote self-defense, and provide social services to marginalized communities.