The Black Panther Party (BPP) was a revolutionary socialist organization founded in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. The BPP was a key player in the Civil Rights Movement and known for its advocacy of armed self-defense against police brutality and other forms of oppression faced by African Americans.

The BPP organized community programs such as free breakfast for children, health clinics, and educational initiatives to uplift Black communities. They also published a newspaper, "The Black Panther," which spread their message and brought attention to issues affecting African Americans.

The BPP's bold and militant approach to addressing social and racial injustices made them a target of the FBI's counterintelligence program, COINTELPRO, which sought to destabilize and undermine the organization. Despite facing intense government repression, including surveillance, infiltration, and violent confrontations, the BPP continued to mobilize and organize for social change.

The BPP's legacy remains significant in Black history, as they challenged systemic racism and inspired a new generation of activists to fight for justice and empowerment. Their iconic imagery, including the black berets and raised fist salute, continues to symbolize resistance and solidarity in the ongoing struggle for racial equality.