Black Panther History Marker
In a collaboration
with David Hilliard (former chief-of-staff of the Black Panther Party)
and Jeremy Deller (artist), the Center for Tactical Magic joined in designing
and installing a commemorative historical marker at the intersection of
Oakland, California's Market Street and 55th Street. The sign reads:
(front) On August
1, 1967, this stoplight was installed as a result of a community initiative
spearheaded by the Black Panther Party. (back) After several children
attending the nearby Santa Fe Elementary School were killed and many injured
by motorists at this location, the demand for a traffic signal by the
Anti-Poverty Center and the Black Panther Party began in June 1967. The
Oakland City Council, however, notified the community that a traffic signal
could be erected no sooner than late 1968. Rather than allowing another
death in the interim, a small cadre of armed Black Panthers stopped motorists
and personally escorted children across the busy intersection. No further
automobile-related deaths or injuries occurred at this location, and the
installation of the traffic signal began on August 1, 1967.
For
more info on the Black Panther Party & Oakland History check out:
