By Lynn Jones-Turpin – Since the days of the Back Panther Party’s (BPP) inception, African American organizations have attempted to rise up and continue the movement’s mottos, missions and goals of self empowerment. The Black Panther Party, which was originally the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, was a Black Power political organization founded by Oakland, California college students Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton in October 1966. Many of the well known members include Angela Davis, Eldridge Cleaver, Fred Hampton, Rap Brown, Bobby Rush and Geronimo Pratt. Standing on the hills of the BPP, The Nubians for Defenses (NFD), the New Black Panther Party (NBPP), guests and friends congregated inside the BSUN Gallery on Myrtle Avenue for a tribute to the late Dr. Khallie Muhammad who became a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam and later the New Black Panther Party. Muhammad died in 2001 from a brain aneurysm. NFD and NBPP goals are to continue Muhammad’s legacy of educating and empowering people of color with ammunition to uplift their communities through economic investment, stopping gang violence and solidarity with other organizations. Attendees of all ages heard the message encouraging them to address ongoing issues that plaque the urban core neighborhoods in Duval County. Another hot topic was a discussion on prison reform and the fact that many black men remain caught up in the judicial caste system. “Systemic racism is still upon us, we have to rise up and do for self. We will stay on this mission till it’s done,” said Min. Mikhail Muhammad (NBPP). NBPP Upcoming Projects include a community and legal seminar presented by Attorney General Dr. Malik Zulu Shabazz, Saturday, April 17th. For time and location email Mikhail50Grand@gmail.com.
Shown at the event at members of the New Black Panther party with young mentee's Adrian and Andre Preston
