Exhibit: Preserving the Heritage of the Black Panther Party in Illinois

The Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, which began its journey during the tumultuous Democratic Convention of 1968, has made history once again. As the convention returns to Chicago, the Illinois Chapter is the first chapter of the Black Panther Party to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Thematic Listing of the Black Panther Party in Illinois was approved by the state of Illinois and the National Park Service and added to the Register in December 2023. Founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, the Black Panther Party helped usher in the Black Power Movement and self-reliance and was responsible for extensive changes in legislation.

Curated by Leila Wills, the exhibit captures the politics and programs of the Black Panther Party and is a testament to the chapter's enduring legacy. For more information, go to: www.epiphanychi.com

Photo Caption and Credit: (left) Founders of the Black Panther Party Bobby Seale and Huey Newton (right) Illinois Chapter co-founder and Deputy Minister of Defense Bobby Rush and Deputy Chairman Fred Hampton

Photo Credit: Black Panther Party Newspaper, Chicago History Museum, STM-037873701, Chicago Sun-Times