What was a key feature of the Black Panthers' philosophy?

The philosophy of the Black Panthers was significantly characterized by their call for African Americans to arm themselves as a means of self-defense and to challenge systemic oppression. This approach emerged as a response to the pervasive violence experienced by black communities, particularly from law enforcement agencies. The Black Panther Party believed that self-defense was not only justified but necessary in order to protect their community from police brutality and racial violence.

Furthermore, the slogan "All Power to the People" reflected their broader aim of empowering African Americans to take control of their plight. While the Black Panthers did engage in various community programs and advocated for social change, their distinctive emphasis on armed self-defense set them apart from other civil rights organizations that typically sought change through non-violent means or integration strategies. This commitment to self-defense highlighted their belief that systemic change required a direct challenge to the status quo through the assertion of rights and personal safety.