In 1966, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale co-founded the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California. One of the most impactful initiatives of the Black Panther Party was the Free Breakfast for Children Program, which began in January 1969 at an Episcopal church in Oakland. It addressed a crucial need as many of these children had never had breakfast before. The Free Breakfast for Children Program was a simple yet powerful concept. At its peak, the program operated in at least 45 locations, providing daily meals to thousands of children.
The Black Panther Party faced significant opposition, particularly from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. FBI Agents spread propaganda claiming that the food provided by the Black Panthers was poisoned and accused the organization of teaching children racism. In some extreme cases, such as the incident involving the Chicago Police Department, authorities went as far as breaking into the church where the food was stored, destroying it, and urniating on it.
The Free Breakfast for Children Program had a profound impact. It put pressure on the government and political leaders to address the issue of child hunger. As a result, in 1975, the School Breakfast Program was permanently authorized, ensuring that children across the United States would have access to breakfast before school.
HELLA INSPIRED.