To Protect and Serve

This history of Black Panther Party was originally selected as one of SPARC's Great Walls Unlimited: Neighborhood Pride murals. However, after opposition and political pressure from the conservative city Arts Commission, the mural was turned into an independent project and funded primarily with private donations. The left side focuses on racist and institutional violence toward African Americans with images of the Klu Klux Klan and Bobby Seale bound and gagged as he was during the Chicago Seven trial of the late 1960s. Above him is judge Julius Hoffman, who presided in that case. Panther leaders Huey Newton and Angela Davis are also portrayed. The right side of the mural emphasizes the Panther's social projects, such as the free breakfast program.
Photo: © Robin Dunitz