The Black Panthers were a political organization founded in 1966 in the United States, primarily to address issues of racial injustice and police brutality against African Americans. They advocated for self-defense, community programs, and social change, emphasizing the need for empowerment within the Black community. The group is best known for its militant stance and the establishment of community service initiatives, such as free breakfast programs and health clinics. The Black Panther Party aimed to challenge systemic racism and promote civil rights, becoming a significant part of the broader Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s and 1970s.