Oct. 15, 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Black Panther Party, which was founded in Oakland, California.
Kalena Fernandez, A student at the University of Reno, had this to say about her visit to the exhibit, “Personally I was shocked by all that the Black Panthers had to go through. Though I learned about the movement in history, my textbook failed to show the pain and suffering the black community endured and still face today.”
“You don’t have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you need have to do is be an intelligent human being.” Was one of her favorite quotes on the walls by Malcolm X.
The Black Panther Party was an African American revolution party.
It was formed by it’s two founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale.
The ideal purpose of the Black Panther Party was to protect African Americans from social injustice. The party sought out to end an issue we still suffer 50 years later in today’s society.
The Panthers patrolled through African American neighborhoods and sought out to protect those from police brutality.
In commemoration of the organization’s anniversary, the Oakland Museum of California has released a new exhibit showing the history of the Black Panther Party
The exhibit showcases old handwritten notes from former members, weapons that were confiscated, and even old newspaper articles that discussed the party at that time.
The walls are covered in old, never before seen photos and paintings; as well as projectors playing videos in some corners, and numerous amounts of quotes from former members written in bold.
In one area was a microphone on a black stage with music playing faintly in the area. Whenever the music has ended, anyone is free to walk on the stage and speak into the mic and let their voice be heard to the bystanders around them.
Alongside the Black Panther Party exhibit, the Oakland Museum of California offers a variety of other exhibits such as the “Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact” exhibit and the “Warriors Pride, Oakland Pride” exhibit.
The price for the ages 9-17 is $6.95, and free on Fridays after 5 p.m. General admission price is $15.95, students are $10.95 and only $5 on Fridays after 5 p.m..
The “Black Panthers at 50” exhibit will be open from Oct. 8 2016 to Feb. 12, 2017.