What characterizes the Black Panthers as a group?

The Black Panthers were characterized by their advocacy for armed self-defense in response to police brutality and systemic oppression faced by African Americans. Founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, the Black Panther Party sought to protect their communities against violence and discrimination, emphasizing the right to bear arms as a means of self-protection. This position was grounded in the belief that self-defense was necessary to achieve justice and equality.

Their focus on armed self-defense was a significant departure from the nonviolent approaches that were often associated with the civil rights movement of the time. By advocating for the right to defend themselves, the Black Panthers sought to empower African Americans and challenge the prevailing narratives about race and power in the United States. The group also engaged in various community programs, such as free breakfast for children and health clinics, but their identity was strongly tied to their stance on self-defense and resistance against systemic injustice.