The Chicago History Museum will feature the activism and community service of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. with a partner program marking the organization’s founding in Oakland on October 15, 1966. The Illinois Chapter was the strongest chapter in the Black Panther Party, second only to the Party’s headquarters in California.
There is a significant preservation effort underway to present a Multiple Property Document (MPD) to the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office in February 2023. The MPD is a thematic study that provides the broader story of the Black Panther Party in Illinois and its significant historic context in local and national history.
“To understand why the legacy of the Illinois Chapter won’t die is to understand how poor black people were in this city,” said Leila Wills. “The Party stepped in to provide food, medical attention, and other protections to poor people. The people remember and that’s why the people love the Party to this day.”
At its peak, the Illinois Chapter’s Free Breakfast for Children Program served over 4,000 children a day. The Spurgeon Jake Free Medical Center, which opened after the assassination of Chairman Fred Hampton, saw 100 patients a week. The Chicago History Museum program features Wanda Ross, a key organizer of the Breakfast Program, and Ralph Bostick, who worked on opening the medical center day and night. Leading the panel is Billy “Che” Brooks, a close friend to Hampton and the Minister of Education. During the current social justice reckoning in the United States and around the world, the work of the Party is even more important. “We hope to provide factual knowledge of our successes and shortcomings,” said Brooks.
The “50-year-rule” in preservation has passed and the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party plans to present its MPD in February 2023. Leila Wills is the Executive Director and heads the landmarking committee. We invite media professionals to attend our October 13th event to learn more about the work of the Illinois Chapter and the preservation initiative. Please contact Leila Wills to RSVP.
Event Name: Meet the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party
Event Date: October 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Chicago History Museum, McCormick Theater, 1601 N. Clark
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