You can’t talk about Black history without mentioning the Black Panther Party. Their advocacy and activism laid the foundation for the contemporary Black Lives Matter movement, and shaped the current free school meal programs and community clinics serving Oakland throughout the COVID crisis.
Today kicked off a series of events in Oakland to celebrate the Black Panthers. Beginning with a virtual fundraiser to restore the late party chairman Fred Hampton Sr.’s childhood home, the programming will honor the party’s contributions through art, film, discussion and more.
On Feb. 14, a new mural honoring Ericka Huggins, Rev. Cheryl Dawson and the women of the Black Panther Party will become available for viewing on Jilchristina Vest’s private home in West Oakland, and there will be a virtual celebration and unveiling.
Next Tuesday, Feb. 16, images of Dr. Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party will be displayed through light projections at the Alameda County Courthouse, where the Free Huey Movement began in 1968, starting at 5:30pm.
On the 17th, community members and elected officials will join Newton’s widow, Fredrika Newton—who is also president of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation—for the unveiling of the newly designated Dr. Huey P. Newton Way at 9am. Dr. Huey P. Newton Way is the new name of a three-block section of 9th Street near Mandela Parkway.
