The legacy of community service in the diverse strands of the Black church’s vibrant tapestry holds an important place in today’s Black community. That story is only one of the many incomplete chapters of Black history that deserve recognition. “Black then,” purposefully misspelled, it was the community’s responsibility to address the needs of the people. People didn’t hesitate to lock arms in solidarity, offering food, clothing, shelter, jobs, and education to those in need.

One shining example of this commitment is the Free Breakfast for Children Program, which was launched by the Black Panther Party. What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a vital community initiative within just a decade. This program not only addressed hunger but also reached into broader community support, often acting more quickly than government assistance. The Black Panther Party recognized a crucial truth: learning is nearly impossible on an empty stomach. Hunger posed a significant barrier to education, affecting children’s ability to concentrate, retain information, and engage in the classroom. With a clear purpose, the Black Panthers sought to eliminate that barrier.

The program’s benefits were far-reaching. It produced significant gains in children’s school habits by supplying regular, nutritious meals every morning. Educators in several cities reported changes in students’ focus, behavior, and readiness to learn. As children grew accustomed to having a healthy breakfast, attendance surged. There was also a sense of support from parents and a real positive shift within schools. Providing one of the most basic needs prepared students for success in school and paved the way for what would later become a national school breakfast program at the federal level.

But the Free Breakfast Program was just the start of the Black Panther Party’s commitment to community improvement. From 1967-1982, they initiated over sixty Survival Programs across the United States. The initiatives ranged from free health clinics, sickle cell anemia testing, clothing and shoe drives, transportation services, legal aid, liberation schools, senior support, and youth development programs. Instead of single-event efforts, they were permanent, consistent, and dependable programs that the community turned to.

Unfortunately, I feel that the scope of their efforts has never been fully recognized. What began as a breakfast program has evolved into a model for comprehensive community care. This dimension of Black history remains largely untold. It is a story that must be shared, celebrated, and continued. I often imagine the incredible transformations our communities could experience if we embodied the same spirit of responsibility demonstrated by the Black Panthers. If each person took the initiative to recognize needs and actively work to address them, we could reshape our nation into a place where children are nourished, elders are supported, families are strengthened, and neighborhoods flourish through collective action.

Nonetheless, many of us currently navigate the world through a distorted lens shaped by inherited prejudicial ideologies. These misconceptions foster distance where connection should thrive, sow suspicion where compassion is needed, and cultivate silence when action is required. When we lose sight of each other’s humanity, our ability to thrive diminishes.

I firmly believe that we have the potential for positive change. We possess the power to shift our perspectives. We can choose to see individuals as they truly are, moving beyond the fears that history has bestowed upon us. Honoring the legacy of those who served before us means continuing to address the needs that persist today. The unfinished narrative of Black history encompasses not only events in the past, but also our call to action in the present.

Looking ahead, the future of Black stories must be rooted in truth and a shared sense of responsibility. This commitment should extend beyond a single month of recognition, evolving into a year-round endeavor to uplift the often-ignored voices and build sustainable systems of support.

Let us strive for greater understanding and clarity of vision, as we aim to compose the next chapter of Black history with purpose, solidarity, and love for our communities. Together, we can create a narrative filled with hope, resilience, and shared progress, ensuring that the legacies of community service and collaboration continue to flourish.

_{Disclaimer: This blog is not an endorsement of any particular ideology. My focus is on the community-centered programs created by the Black Panther Party.}