The root of the Des Moines Black Panther movement traces back to the mid-1960s. According to The Annals of Iowa, black politics and activism for civil rights played a prominent role in the city of Des Moines, and on one evening in particular, a large group of young African Americans took a stand against racial discrimination in housing, employment, education and politics with a violent demonstration against police in Good Park, Des Moines’ largest black neighborhood. The Black Panther Party for Self-Defense was created in response to the riots to help augment black pride, bring to light black oppression and encourage African American leaders in politics.

Learn more: https://timesdelphic.com/2020/03/black-panthers-in-des-moines-history-of-advocacy/

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