Women in the Black Panther Party

In this episode, from our series on the Black Freedom Struggle, our host, Jesse Hagopian, a high school teacher and Rethinking Schools editor, introduces scholar-activist Mary Phillips and historian Robyn C. Spencer, who discuss how Black women transformed the Black Panther Party.

Spencer and Phillips describe the role of Black women in the Black Panther Party as an outgrowth from their long-standing family activism. Many Black women made sacrifices as they balanced motherhood and community organizing. Our guests also tackle how Black women played a central role in delivering the message of the party through art.

Link to images discussed: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1utU7UbzctFFzs2azaG6NBhDClvHHGxduI8CgwT41pM8/edit?usp=sharing

Music from Rose City Kings from Free Music Archive.