Fifty years ago, the Black Panthers took to the streets of Oakland to defend Black residents against police violence and city neglect. Soon, the Panthers electrified America with a bold image of Black militancy and some very basic demands, “We want land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice and peace."

Who were the Panthers and what did they achieve? What can we learn from their influence on culture, music and mass media? From their grassroots social programs — including free breakfast for children, health clinics and liberation schools — and from their "Rainbow Coalition" uniting poor people of all races. Yes, the Panther’s did that too.

In partnership with the Oakland Museum of California and former Black Panther Party members, Oakland Public Library proudly commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party with events, exhibits and a resource guide for K-12 students.

EDUCATE TO LIBERATE: A BLACK PANTHERS SYLLABUS

Teachers and students, explore our Black Panthers syllabus featuring books, films, audio and lesson plans for Grades K-12. Permalink: http://tinyurl.com/BPPSyllabus50

Share your lesson plans and additions in the comments below, or on Twitter using  #BPP50Syllabus @oaklibrary

Patrons of all ages can browse our catalog for hundreds more Black Panthers books and films, or visit our Oakland History Room and African American Museum and Library to see original photos, posters, newspapers and rare items.

EXHIBITS

Revolution is a Daily Struggle: Remembering the Black Panther Party’s Social Programs
Main Library, 125 14th Street, Oakland History Room, on exhibit through November 30

Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers
AAMLO, 659 14th Street, October 22, 2016 – February 28, 2017
Opening Reception October 22, 3:00pm

EVENTS

As I See It - reading and discussion with Elbert “Big Man” Howard
One of the six original founders of the Black Panther Party shares his story.
Main Library, Brad Walters Community Room, September 24, 2:30pm

Revolution is a Daily Struggle: Talk with Billy X. Jennings
Black Panther historian Billy X Jennings will share stories of how the Panthers provided the impoverished in the African American community with free food, medical care, legal assistance, senior services, political education, and much more.
Main Library, Brad Walters Community Room, October 5, 6:00pm

Images of the Black Panther Party, 50 Years Later
Book release and discussion with Bobby Seale and Stephen Shames.
Main Library, Thursday, October 20, 7:00pm

AROUND TOWN

All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50
Oakland Museum of California, October 8, 2016 – February 12, 2017

Project Panther - Dimensions Dance Theater
Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, October 15, 7:00pm

Black Panthers 50th Anniversary Conference

October 20-23, 2016

Life is Living Festival - Legacy: A Tribute to the Black Panthers

Look for our Bike Library, stop into the West Oakland branch, and enjoy this day-long festival.

Survival Pending Revolution: Archival and Contemporary Musings on Love

Omi Gallery, October 7, 2016 – January 7, 2017