It was on October, 15th 1966 in Oakland, California, that a revolution was born.

In a context of radicalization of the black movement in the United States, two activists, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton decided to found the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense.

Their mission? To denounce police violence in California and write a program regarding multiple social issues affecting African-Americans.

The year 1965 was a particularly violent year for the African-American community: the assassination of Malcolm X, the Selma march, multiple riots, etc. Following this and in a more than electric climate, Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton created the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, known as the Black Panthers. Alongside the non-violent approach initiated by Pastor Martin Luther King, the Black Panthers assert themselves as supporters of a revolution and a less conciliatory approach.

Today, 54 years after the creation of the BP, we celebrate and continue the fight. Freedom, the end of police violence too often trivialized, education for all, respect and many other symbols are still ingrained in people’s minds.