The 1960s and 70s were turbulent times despite the civil rights legislation in place. White terrorists attacked our communities, police beat us in the streets, and yet the fight for liberation was intensifying. But things were about to get even Blacker. They were about to get Blackity Black.
The Black Panther Party was already active in protecting, feeding, and building Black communities. With chapters growing across the United States, the Party centralized its leadership, featuring them in a national media campaign. Huey Newton, a founder of the Party, was up first.
Eldridge Cleaver directed the photoshoot. Newton sat regally in a peacock chair on a zebra skin rug, defiantly gazing into the camera, rifle in one hand and a spear in the other. He was flanked by West African shields. The photo created the exact effect the Black Panther Party wanted.
It became a symbol of Blackness, community, resistance, and defiance of white violence against us. It reminded us that our strength is in our unity and our defense of ourselves. And it enshrined the peacock chair as one of the Blackest pieces of furniture ever made.
This image still fills our hearts with pride. What other Black symbols inspire you to joy and pride in our culture?