By Lauren Knudson

Black Panthers are not only an exotic animal that live in Asia and Africa but also a prominent 1960’s pro civil rights party. When one thinks of the civil-rights movement of the 1960’s they often think of Dr. Martin Luther King and non-violence. Although this was common in the time it was not the only method used to further civil rights. The Black Panthers, or the Black Panther party for self defense, took a different method.

The party was formed in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale first aimed at protecting prominently black neighborhoods from crime. Eventually the party grew into the idea that African Americans should separate from whites and all African Americans should be armed.

They believed that the United States had put the African American community in a position where they do not have an equal opportunity to succeed in life. Therefore they believed that all African Americans should be released from jail, and provided compensation.

All images used legally by/from AP images.