Militant organisation of
Black Americans founded in Oakland, California in 1966 by Huey Newton and Bobby
Seale. Called upon Blacks to arm themselves against their oppressors. At the same time, provided free breakfasts for children in ghetto areas, (financed by donations from local merchants and wealthy sympathisers), and opened schools and medical centres. Organisation
waned as leaders fled USA after arrests on various charges, police shootings and in-house fighting.