SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Black Panther Party is a part of American History, and specifically Northern California History. Known for its militaristic style, lock-step formations, and protests, the Black Panther Party held the attention of both supporters and critics alike – all over the country.
It’s social programs, notably the Breakfast Program, was indoctrinated at schools and communities all over the country. But did you know one of the most extensive collections of memorabilia from the Black Panther Party lives in Sacramento?
Billy Jennings was a 17-year-old high school student in Southern California the first time he was introduced to the Black Panther Party.
"I was walking across the living room and I had seen these Panthers protest the Mumford Act and right then and there it affected me. I did not know anything about the Panthers. Anything. They looked cool," Jennings said as he recalled the black leather jackets and black berets a lot of the Panthers wore.
After he graduated high school in 1968, Jennings moved to Oakland where he met the Panthers in person.
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"He kind of took me around and he told me about the things they would do in the future. He told me about the Breakfast Program and how they would help feed kids because most of the kids in Oakland are under the poverty level and I said, 'Yeah, I want to be a part of that,'" Jennings told ABC10.
As a Panther, Jennings said he changed his name to “Billy X” and started to collect everything he could get his hands on from the party. He said the draw to the Black Panther Party was simple for him.
"At that time, black people didn't have the power to vote. Black people didn't control the destiny of their community. There was indecent education and indecent housing in our communities," Jennings said.
These days, Jennings works with the group “It’s About Time Black Panther Party Alumni” and holds the Black Panther Party’s archives. To him, it’s an honor to educate people about what he says is the party’s truth, despite what he calls a lot of misperceptions.
"A lot of people are fascinated to [learn] that we had so many social programs, that we fought racism with solidarity, that we displayed that solidarity in many forms. Not just in rhetoric and talk but in action," Jennings said.
In its prime, the Black Panther Party was a divisive symbol of protest. One side says the aim was to bring political power to the black community. Critics say the Panthers were a racist hate group.
Billy X’s response was simple.
"That's a straight up lie. The Black Panther Party had a coalition with SDS, Students for Democratic Society. There was a group called the White Panther Party who patterned themselves after the Black Panther Party," Jennings explained.
Jennings says his purpose now is to educate the public about the party by sharing his collection.
"What I try to do is have the viewer leave with the impact that one person can make a difference. How this organization made an impact in people's lives."
We want to celebrate our diverse Northern California culture by shining a light on African American people serving your community. Click here and let us know who you think deserves to have their story told right here on ABC10.
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