The Black Panther Party | David F. Walker

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THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY: A Graphic Novel History | BUY BOOK

Review by Dan Gibas | Burr Ridge Bookstore
The Black Panther Party For Self-Defense was a complex American political organization that ran from 1966 to 1982.  In this well researched graphic novel, David Walker used 42 different sources to  give a detailed history of the organization and the motivation for why it was formed, warts and all. For example, the local chapters did good things for their neighborhoods (like the formation of the Liberation Schools and Free Breakfast for Children Program) but Walker doesn’t shy away from covering Alex Rackley’s murder and subsequent trial. Marcus Kwame Anderson’s gorgeous illustrations are reminiscent of Daniel Clowes and make these historical figures come alive.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A bold and fascinating graphic novel history of the revolutionary Black Panther Party, from an award-winning comic book writer.

Founded in Oakland, California, in 1966, the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense was a revolutionary political organization that stood in defiant contrast to the mainstream civil rights movement. This gripping illustrated history explores the impact and legacy of the Panthers, from their social, educational, and healthcare programs that were designed to uplift the Black community to their battle against police brutality through citizen patrols and frequent clashes with the FBI, which targeted the Party from its outset. Using dramatic comic book-style retellings and illustrated profiles of key figures, The Black Panther Party captures the major events, people, and actions of the party, as well as their cultural and political influence and enduring significance.

Dan Gibas is the manager of Barbara's Bookstore in Burr Ridge.