Free The Black Panther Party And The Death Of Fred Hampton And Mark Clark Essay Example

California was the place where the Black Panther Party was born in 1966. . Its founders were Huey Percy Newton and Bobby Seale. They were willing to use violence in order to achieve their purpose. They considered themselves an African-American party but they are willing to accept other members who were supporting their advocacies.
At that time, Vietnam War was ongoing. Any revolutionary movement was a threat to the security of the state. The FBI was the agency that was on watch to the activities of the Black Panther Party. In January 1969, a program was launched by the party. It was free breakfast for children program. “Serve the people, body and soul” was their motto. For J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the FBI, the program was the greatest threat to the internal security. He said that the party had infiltrated the community consisting of African-American people. For him, the program influenced children and instilled in their minds to follow and serve the party. Hampton also made pact with Chicago’s most powerful street gang. He started carrying a gun but as he explained, it is for his personal protection only.
Another important event in Black Panther Party history was the death of Fred Hampton and Mark Clark. Fred Hampton was the deputy chairman of national BPP and Mark Clark was a member of BPP. They were overkilled in a raid that was ordered by the FBI. A lawsuit was filed to the officers that ordered the raid. The suit was settled for an unknown amount. In addition, thousands of people attended their wake. Furthermore, an organization named Weather Underground declared war against the U.S. Government. It pushed the organization to be graver, more serious and more determined to raise the stakes of their cause after the death of the two. Fred Hampton day was also declared in 1990.

Works Cited:

“How did the Black Panthers threaten the National Security by Giving Children Free Breakfast?” So Fresh and So Green. 24 Feb. 2011. Web. January 21, 2015. http://www.sofreshandsogreen.com/2011/02/24/how-did-the-black-panthers-threaten-national-security-by-giving-children-breakfast/
“The Black Panthers.” Civil Rights in America. History Learning Site. 2014. Web. January 21, 2015 <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/black_panthers.htm>
“Fred Hampton.” The Black Commentator. 2001. Web. January 21, 2015 <http://www.blackcommentator.com/67/67_hampton_pf.htmls>