Introduction
The abolition of slavery was a major step towards human rights progress. It was followed by the emergence of more resistance movements that set further acquisition of liberties by the Black people as their goal. The most significant movement of the last century was Black Panthers, and Black Lives Matter is seen by some as its direct successor. This essay will discuss parallels and discrepancies between the two movements.
Common Goals
Both Black Panthers and Black Lives Matter issued their ten-point programs between which one may find similarities. Black Panthers deemed the government responsible for providing better housing whereas Black Lives Matter reached out to white communities to enhance urban development and will their property to black families (“The Ten-Point Program”). The creation of both movements served the common goal: the liberation of African Americans.
Use of Media
The two movements used or are using available media outlets. To distribute information, Black Panthers published their magazine the contents of which would never appear in the mainstream media. Black Lives Matter has a wider choice of media tools and conveys its message via photographs, videos, and social media posts. As for the actions of protest, both movements relied heavily on performance art and theatrics.
Public Support
As for public support, both movements have generated a considerable amount of controversy. However, Black Panthers faced more pushback and repercussions whereas Black Lives Matter made it to the mainstream. BLM attained wide publicity, and their platform was covered in Time magazine. The movement has also conducted successful fundraising campaigns.
Conclusion
In the history of the United States, slavery has never been a brief aberration but an era that left its legacy affecting African Americans to this day. Black Panthers paved the path for the modern anti-racism movement, Black Lives Matter. The movements have common goals and similar programs. However, BLM has a broader outreach and has been able to gain public support.
Work Cited
“The Ten-Point Program.” Marxists, 2001. Web.