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Bridging the Gap: BLM vs BPM

Jul 11, 20231 min read

Lessons BLM Can Learn from the Black Panther Movement

In the fight against racial injustice and systemic oppression, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has emerged as a powerful force for change. Its leadership is a force to be reckoned with, and the movement itself is what our generation needed to begin voicing loudly about the injustices we face. But now we need more. While BLM is great for organizing protests, giving resources, and calling out individuals in the justice system, we need more. If you haven't noticed, the air is getting thick, and the only communities seeming to suffocate are communities of color. We need to do more. Most of our movements are inspired by the legacies of past civil rights movements - as they should be, but we need to take the discipline that our forefathers displayed, just the persistence. I'm not saying we need a militia, but we need to prepare like we are one. Frankly, if I join a protest and someone starts throwing things at me, I'm not standing there peacefully. BLM doesn't give me the fight I'm looking for, like The Black Panther Party. Drawing inspiration from the Black Panther Movement, the BLM movement can glean valuable insights and strategies to further its goals of dismantling systemic racism uniquely - from the ground up. Our protests, screams, and exclamations are going on deaf ears. It's time for us to make our table. The Black Panther Party emphasized community empowerment as a cornerstone of their activism. They recognized the importance of addressing the community's immediate needs while advocating for systemic change. BLM can learn from this approach by focusing on initiatives that provide essential services, such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. By actively engaging with and supporting marginalized communities, BLM can cultivate trust, solidarity, and resilience. The Black Panther Movement was renowned for its dedication to political education. There are laws actively being passed to hide our history. Lack of education is the most critical issue we are facing right now. They sought to raise awareness about the root causes of racial inequality and educate community members on their rights. Similarly, the BLM movement can enhance its impact by prioritizing political education and mobilization efforts. By arming activists and community members with knowledge, systemic education initiatives, and community schooling, they can become better equipped to challenge unjust policies and advocate for meaningful change. The Black Panther Party recognized the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and actively worked to build alliances with other marginalized groups. While BLM has a history of advocating for disproportionate groups, BLM should foster meaningful collaborations with other largely known social justice movements, such as those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and immigrant rights. By embracing diversity and unity, BLM can amplify its message and create a tighter movement and chance for social change. The Black Panther Party's commitment to self-defense and community protection responded to police brutality and systemic violence. BLM can draw inspiration from this aspect of the Black Panther Movement by organizing community-based initiatives focused on de-escalation, conflict resolution, and community policing. By empowering individuals to protect their communities while advocating for police reform, BLM can foster safer environments for all. Lastly, we as a community have to shut the fuck up about our plans. Speaking on public platforms that stifle, hide, and block uplifting black content due to “community guidelines” will not give us the advantage that we need. Utilize smaller platforms dedicated to black content and staple black owned businesses for meetups. We are all we need to create the space we’re looking for. While the Black Lives Matter movement has already made significant strides in the fight against racial injustice, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the Black Panther Movement. By embracing community empowerment, political education, intersectionality, self-defense, and utilizing art and media, BLM can further strengthen its impact and pave the way for a more just and equitable society. By building upon the successes and strategies of previous movements, BLM can inspire future generations to continue the struggle for racial equality and social justice.

In the fight against racial injustice and systemic oppression, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has emerged as a powerful force for change. Its leadership is a force to be reckoned with, and the movement itself is what our generation needed to begin voicing loudly about the injustices we face. But now we need more. While BLM is great for organizing protests, giving resources, and calling out individuals in the justice system, we need more. If you haven't noticed, the air is getting thick, and the only communities seeming to suffocate are communities of color. We need to do more. Most of our movements are inspired by the legacies of past civil rights movements - as they should be, but we need to take the discipline that our forefathers displayed, just the persistence. I'm not saying we need a militia, but we need to prepare like we are one. Frankly, if I join a protest and someone starts throwing things at me, I'm not standing there peacefully. BLM doesn't give me the fight I'm looking for, like The Black Panther Party. Drawing inspiration from the Black Panther Movement, the BLM movement can glean valuable insights and strategies to further its goals of dismantling systemic racism uniquely - from the ground up. Our protests, screams, and exclamations are going on deaf ears. It's time for us to make our table. The Black Panther Party emphasized community empowerment as a cornerstone of their activism. They recognized the importance of addressing the community's immediate needs while advocating for systemic change. BLM can learn from this approach by focusing on initiatives that provide essential services, such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. By actively engaging with and supporting marginalized communities, BLM can cultivate trust, solidarity, and resilience. The Black Panther Movement was renowned for its dedication to political education. There are laws actively being passed to hide our history. Lack of education is the most critical issue we are facing right now. They sought to raise awareness about the root causes of racial inequality and educate community members on their rights. Similarly, the BLM movement can enhance its impact by prioritizing political education and mobilization efforts. By arming activists and community members with knowledge, systemic education initiatives, and community schooling, they can become better equipped to challenge unjust policies and advocate for meaningful change. The Black Panther Party recognized the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and actively worked to build alliances with other marginalized groups. While BLM has a history of advocating for disproportionate groups, BLM should foster meaningful collaborations with other largely known social justice movements, such as those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and immigrant rights. By embracing diversity and unity, BLM can amplify its message and create a tighter movement and chance for social change. The Black Panther Party's commitment to self-defense and community protection responded to police brutality and systemic violence. BLM can draw inspiration from this aspect of the Black Panther Movement by organizing community-based initiatives focused on de-escalation, conflict resolution, and community policing. By empowering individuals to protect their communities while advocating for police reform, BLM can foster safer environments for all. Lastly, we as a community have to shut the fuck up about our plans. Speaking on public platforms that stifle, hide, and block uplifting black content due to “community guidelines” will not give us the advantage that we need. Utilize smaller platforms dedicated to black content and staple black owned businesses for meetups. We are all we need to create the space we’re looking for. While the Black Lives Matter movement has already made significant strides in the fight against racial injustice, there are valuable lessons to be learned from the Black Panther Movement. By embracing community empowerment, political education, intersectionality, self-defense, and utilizing art and media, BLM can further strengthen its impact and pave the way for a more just and equitable society. By building upon the successes and strategies of previous movements, BLM can inspire future generations to continue the struggle for racial equality and social justice.

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