This International Women’s Day we celebrate the women of the Black Panther party!
Women played a crucial and very much overlooked role in the Black Panther Party, making up a significant portion of its membership and actively participating in its community survival programs and political activism.
Women absolutely did not sit on the sidelines or just support. They were active participants, holding positions of leadership, and contributing to the party’s many initiatives. Although women held leadership positions they often dealt with significant struggles with sexism, colorism, and misogyny with-in the party; which in turn caused some members to leave, however they did not let that stop them from providing the community with support. It made them stronger and more vigilant in the fight against racism, sexism, and inequality.
Black Women were instrumental in the party’s community programs. These community programs included free breakfast programs, health clinics, and services addressing the needs of the black community.
West Oakland Mural and Museum Project:
The West Oakland Mural Project and other initiatives aim to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women to the Black Panther Party and the Black Power Movement. This project, located in West Oakland, features a mural dedicated to the women of the Black Panther Party and a museum highlighting their contributions, and adding to the party’s legacy.
One of our BC members (Chinue Fields) attended the mural and museum!
“During Black History Month, I took a field trip with the Rich City Rays to visit this powerful place. The museum is curated by and housed on the first floor of a home owned by a long time acquaintance of mine, Ms. Jilchristina Vest. There is a strong, peaceful, spiritual presence in and around the home. It’s especially evident as Jil shares how the creation of this project was guided by her ancestors.
Learning about the lives of these Black women, who were just 19 years of age on average, as they led the efforts of the BPP was awe-inspiring and cast a new light on the organization and political landscape of the 1970s for me. And the story of how the mural came to life was equally compelling. It boosted my own activist energy and left me with a surge of cultural pride. I highly recommend planning a trip to the Black Panther Party Museum and Mural.
Text (646) 306-7175 for a guided tour for you and your peeps!
Make sure to sign up for Urban Tilth’s Black Caucus mailing list to find out about upcoming events and programming!