-
Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed
This makes it easier for Southern blacks to register to vote. Literacy tests, poll taxes, and other such requirements that were used to restrict black voting are made illegal. -
1966: The Black Panther Party founded
The BPP was founded by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California. -
1967: The BPP Gets Into Action
The BPP begins monitoring police activity and asserting their right to bear arms in self-defense. -
1968: The BPP Gets Some Shine
The BPP gains national attention after organizing armed patrols to monitor police behavior in Oakland. -
1969: The BPP establishes chapters
The BPP establishes chapters in several cities across the US. -
1970: COINTELPRO
COINTELPRO, a covert FBI program, intensifies efforts to surveil, infiltrate, and disrupt the BPP. -
1971: Huey P. Newton
Huey P. Newton was released from prison, and internal conflicts within the BPP escalated. -
1972: BPP Repercussions
The BPP faces increasing government repression, legal challenges, and internal divisions. -
1973: Government Interference
The BPP experiences further decline due to government crackdowns, arrests, and internal strife. -
1982: Panther Party Ends
The official dissolution of the Black Panther Party.