First-Hand Lessons in History - The Black Panther Party

Juniors and seniors had a first-hand history lesson recently as they shared a conversation with former members and further considered issues of race, equity and inclusion.

By Parvathy Nair '22

Recently Notre Dame invited former Black Panther Party* (BPP) members Katherine Campbell, Dr. Saturu Ned, and Steve McCutchen to have a virtual conversation with juniors and seniors. Led by moderator Milton Reynolds of Facing History & Ourselves, the three speakers answered questions centering around their personal experiences with the Black Panther Party, the original purpose of the organization, and the legacy they carried with them.

Growing up in Oakland as a teen, Katherine Campbell often felt powerless and wanted to find a way to make real, impactful change in her community. Inspired by activists such as James Brown and Martin Luther King Jr., Campbell finally joined the Black Panther Party as a way of participating in the ‘shared endeavor’ of Black people in America. 

When asked about the original vision of the BPP, Steve McCutchen explained that the Party was dedicated to uplifting members of the Black community, and creating different programs and activities that would address their needs. Some of these programs included a free breakfast club for schoolchildren, a healthcare clinic, and a development center meant to aid mothers and infants. The media at the time, however, described the Black Panther Party as a violent, racist organization that went against ‘American’ principles.This negative media interpretation heavily distorted the Party’s original vision, and contributed to the downfall of many Party members.  

As we continue to fight for racial equality in America today, we can thank the Black Panther Party for setting an example and showing us what activism on a local level should look like. While the Black Panther Party does not exist as a physical organization anymore, its ideaologies and values of hard work, perseverance, and strength continue to live on in people all across the country. 

*The Black Panther Party was a political organization founded in the 1960s, meant to amplify Black voices in communities across the nation and stand up against rising police brutality cases.