The Black Panther Party was a revolutionary socialist organization founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. The party's primary goals were to combat police brutality and oppression against Black communities, as well as to advocate for social justice and equality for all oppressed people.

The Black Panthers are perhaps best known for their community-based programs, such as free breakfast programs for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives. They also believed in self-defense and famously patrolled the streets armed, monitoring police interactions with the community to prevent and expose instances of police brutality.

The FBI and government viewed the Black Panthers as a threat and targeted the organization with surveillance, harassment, and violent attacks. Despite these challenges, the Black Panther Party played a significant role in the Black Power movement and continues to be remembered for its bold activism, social programs, and dedication to fighting for Black liberation and empowerment.