This Saturday, Oct. 15, marks the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense - better know as the Black Panthers.

Once called “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country,” by J. Edgar Hoover, the organization is widely celebrated for its work against police brutality, establishing a free breakfast program and the development of its Ten Point Program. To celebrate the contributions of the party - or BPP - the It’s About Time Committee and the Commemorator Newspaper have joined together to organize a number of events including an art exhibit, meet and gree, and the official Black Panther Party Reunion.

“It’s really important that Oakland residents attend these events because the Black Panther Party was born right here in Oakland,” Erica Woodland, who is working to promote many of the Black Panther Party Month events, said. “This city was able to support a really important movement in our struggle for liberation.”

Within three years of its founding, the Panther Party boasted a membership of nearly 10,000 people nationally and went on to establish international chapters as well. Many organizations have looked to the BPP model and legacy for inspiration, and details of their impact and what the party’s history means for the future of activists and communities nationwide will be at the center of this month’s celebrations.

“A lot of the things that are happening now are not new. They might look a little different, but the kind of oppression and resistance that is happening is very familiar to people who have been in the struggle as long as the former Black Panthers have been,” Woodland said, adding that the events are a great opportunity for intergenerational dialogue.

Black Panther Party Anniversary Events

Those interested in meeting Panthers from around the country in an informal setting while listening to live music and poetry will have the opportunity to do so Oct. 21 at Eastside Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd.

Bay Area residents also have an opportunity to see creatives works inspired by the BPP through Nov. 3 at Laney College Library, 900 Fallon St. The exhibit will showcase art from Emory Douglas (who was the BPP’s Minister of Culture) Gayle Dixon and Tarika Lewis.

This year they will host panels and workshops educating community members about political prisoners and celebrating the women who participated in and were key members of the BPP.  

This month’s programming leads up to the Black Panther Party reunion, which will take place Oct. 22 at The Black Repertory Theater and continue Oct. 23 at Bobby Hutton Park (DeFremery Park). Every five years, former members of the BPP gather in Oakland.

For a full listing of events visit itsabouttimebpp.com/home/home.html.