THE BLACK PANTHERS

Founded in 1966 in Oakland, California, The Black Panther Party was established to protect African Americans from police brutality. Through mass grassroots organizing efforts, activists set a revolutionary agenda to create safety and stability for the African American community. The movement included thousands of people across the country. Defying pervasive gender stereotypes about the frailty and timidity of women, black women were foundational to the movement, focusing intensely on community-building initiatives including daycare programs, groceries, and housing. J. Edgar Hoover cast The Panthers as “criminal,” “dangerous,” and “menacing,” and labeled them “the greatest threat to the internal security of the country.” The Panthers advocated for self-determination, employment opportunities, reparations for human rights abuses, safe shelter, education, and peaceful existence. Join us for a rich conversation about a civil rights struggle that took up arms rather than turning the other cheek.

Due to the high demand for tickets, we have moved this event from Penumbra Theatre to the McNamara Alumni Building at the University of Minnesota campus. Let’s Talk patrons can park at the University Avenue Ramp at 1926 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455. The ramp is adjacent to McNamara Alumni Center and parking is available for $8 cash only at the entrance. After you park you can walk from the tunnel that leads straight from the ramp to the Alumni Center. The 90-minute presentation and discussion begins at 6:00p.m.

Special Guests:
Sarah Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre Co-Artistic Director and host
Bobby Seale, co-founder, The Black Panther Party and political activist
Ericka Huggins, former Panther member, political activist, scholar, and writer
Ricardo Levins Morales, artist organizer

SPONSOR BMO Harris Bank