Research Catalog

Black Panther Party Harlem Branch files

Title
Black Panther Party Harlem Branch files, 1969-1970.
Author
Black Panther Party. Harlem Branch.
Supplementary Content
Finding Aid

Items in the Library & Off-site

Filter by

1 Item

StatusContainerFormatAccessCall NumberItem Location
Box 1Mixed materialUse in library Sc MG 80 Box 1Schomburg Center - Manuscripts & Archives

Details

Description
.4 lin. ft.
Summary
The Black Panther Party Harlem Branch Collection consists of the personal files of Cheryl Foster, the School and Housing Coordinator of the Harlem Branch. The National Office files contain a copy of the Ten Point Platform and program; membership rules and regulations; and a list of chapters, branches and community centers. The files of the New York Chapter include Foster's notebooks and writings documenting her work for the Harlem Branch, in particular her notebooks containing schedules of her daily and hourly activities, fieldwork notes, minutes of her meetings, and reports to the National Central Committee ministers of housing and education. There is also information on the branch's work with the students and parents of George Washington High School, and the national student strike of May 1970, including copies of the newsletter produced by the National Strike Information Center. Additionally, the collection contains printed matter from the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut chapters.
Donor/Sponsor
Schomburg NEH Archival Resources for the Study of the Post-Civil Rights Movements Project.
Subjects
Genre/Form
Diaries.
Note
  • Photographs transferred to Photographs and Prints Division.
Access (note)
  • Personal papers closed until May 17, 2028.
Source (note)
  • Anonymous
Biography (note)
  • The Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland, California in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. The philosophy of the Black Panthers, known as their ten-point program, combined Marxist socialism and black nationalism with demands for land, housing, education, justice and peace. By 1969 the Black Panthers had become known nationally. The Harlem Branch was one of the first to be formed outside California, and organized black-centered education, housing and health programs, as well as a youth section, the Black Panther Athletic Club. Together with branches in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Mt. Vernon and Corona, the Harlem Branch issued a newsletter called the People's Community News. Over the years, the Harlem Branch became the central offices for the entire state of New York.
Processing Action (note)
  • Surveyed
  • Processed
  • Cataloging updated
Call Number
Sc MG 80
OCLC
NYPW89-A28
Author
Black Panther Party. Harlem Branch.
Title
Black Panther Party Harlem Branch files, 1969-1970.
Access
Personal papers closed until May 17, 2028.
Biography
The Black Panther Party was founded in Oakland, California in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. The philosophy of the Black Panthers, known as their ten-point program, combined Marxist socialism and black nationalism with demands for land, housing, education, justice and peace. By 1969 the Black Panthers had become known nationally. The Harlem Branch was one of the first to be formed outside California, and organized black-centered education, housing and health programs, as well as a youth section, the Black Panther Athletic Club. Together with branches in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Mt. Vernon and Corona, the Harlem Branch issued a newsletter called the People's Community News. Over the years, the Harlem Branch became the central offices for the entire state of New York.
The Harlem Branch gained national attention in 1969 when the branch leadership, also known as the New York Panther 21 were arrested on charges of planning to bomb New York City department stores. Although eventually all were acquitted, the Harlem Branch and the larger New York Chapter would never recover from this and other attacks on their organization by the New York City Police Department, the FBI's Counterintelligence Program against Domestic Dissent (COINTELPRO), and the Party's national leadership. Dissension between the national leadership and the New York Chapter had developed over ideological and other issues, and erupted during the jailing and trial of the Panther 21. Accused by New Yorkers of not supporting them adequately, the national leadership expelled the New York Chapter. The Chapter announced that they would set up a new national headquarters of the Black Panther Party in New York City, however by then it became clear that COINTELPRO had succeeded in demoralizing and splitting the leadership.
Connect to:
Finding Aid
Research Call Number
Sc MG 80
View in Legacy Catalog