Biographies of Activists

Jae Jarrell

Jarrell was born in 1935 and is an artist who focuses on the Black Arts Movement. Her intricate clothing designs is influenced by her grandfather was a tailor. This gave her an early exposure to fabrics and designs that led her to a career of being an artist. Jarrell’s fashion design includes unique patterns and bright colors. Her work is inspired by “pride, power, energy, and selfrespect.” Therefore, she was able to show the beauty of African American heritage through her artwork. She received her fashion degree at Bowling Green State University.

Jarell was also one of the founding members of the African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists (AFRICOBRA) that was founded in 1968. The other co-founding member was her husband, Wadsworth Jarrell. The group focused on portraying a positive image for African Americans and working towards a better future. Its purpose was also to promote Black pride and to commit to social responsibility. In addition, these were skilled artists whose mission was to become a Revolutionary group.

Richard Aoki

Aoki was born on November 20, 1938, in California. Aoki also received his education at the University of California, Berkeley for sociology. After completing his undergrad, he obtained his master’s in social work. Growing up, Aoki mostly lived in Oakland, California where it was a predominantly black neighborhood. He later joined a gang in high school and impressively became the co-valedictorian at his school. Later on in his life, he joined the US Army for about eight years and served as an informant for the Federal Bureau Investigation for fifteen years.

Aoki was also an educator and college advisor. He met Bobby Seale and Huey Newton while attending Merritt College. Aoki was a civil rights activist and joined the Black Power Party during the beginning stages. He is Asian American from a Japanese heritage and played an essential role in the Yellow Peril Supports Black Power Movement. He served in bringing unity between African Americans and Asian Americans. Aoki was one of the few Asian people to hold a leadership position (Field Marshal) in the Black Panther Party. He died in 2009 due to gunshot suicide.

Monyee Chau

Chau was born in 1996 in Seattle, Washington, and is a Chinese American artist who identifies as queer. Her family immigrated from Taiwan and Hong Kong during the 1970s. She got her Bachelor’s in Fine Arts at Cornish College. Chau is known for her Yellow Peril Supports Black Power artwork. The post received positive support and popularity on Instagram.

The picture showcases the Yin and Yang balance of the two tigers. Most importantly, this was inspired by the tragic event of George Floyd’s death by police brutality. The symbols showcased resembles the support from the Asian communities for Black people. Chau states that “People have to center black liberation and freedom in their politics and in their practice”. Her hope is to have Asian people to be allies towards the Black community because this is a time where they need it the most.

The purpose of her work is to reconnect with her Asian roots “through a variety of mediums” where she share her personal experiences. Therefore, Chau’s work showcases the connection between her culture and what it means to be Asian American. She likes to describe her style as bold because she is being her authentic self.

BPM’s Cultural Impact

The Power of Words

Many of the impacts that the Black Panther Party had on American society can be attributed to the words spoken and written by party members to critique society and speak up about their beliefs and ideas. Words have been the tool that the party used to convey ideas and feelings and also bring about action. This word cloud represents the people and ideas that were inspired by the ideas of the party and sought to represent these ideas in their works, ranging from music to art to writing. The typography of this word cloud is also reflective of a the Panther newspaper, the medium that gave many a voice in society. Without these words, we wouldn’t see and benefit from the many tangible impacts the Party left behind before their dissolution.

The Cultural Impact of Words in the Modern World (Music)

Words were the most powerful tool that the Black Panther Party utilized during its existence, and consequently, we still see the impact of such words in today’s culture. It was the foundation for meaningful connections with others who faced similar everyday struggles, and as a result, empowered people in the process. Most notably, the words of the Party gave a voice to the voiceless, those who were unable to speak up against the atrocities they faced by society every day. The power and the impact of the ideas of the Party and words spoken and written by Party leaders have still tangible impacts to this day, especially in regards to present-day American culture through the lens of various forms of media.

The Black Panther Party has had a major influence on music and continues to do so today. For example, major artists such as Nina Simone and James Brown who were already outspoken about social and political issues continued to speak up about such issues through their lyrics. In addition, many music artists also served in positions of power within the party. For example, Elaine Brown was a famous artist who served as the chair of the Black Panther Party from 1974-1977, and consequently, provided a platform for the Party’s ideas and policies. In the modern world, many of the Party’s ideas regarding Black Power can still be seen today, especially in rap and hip-hop music. Many Black musical artists and groups, such as Tupac, NWA, Beyonce, and Public Enemy, have cited the Party as influences of their music regarding Black Power and empowerment. For example, Public Enemy released songs titled “Power to the People” and “Fight the Power,” songs that were directly influenced by the Party’s messages of Black Power and empowerment. In addition, Tupac released a song titled “Panther Power,” influenced by his parents who were members of the Party, where he details the struggles of being Black in America. More recently, Beyonce’s Super Bowl Performance was a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Black Panther Party by wearing berets and black leather. The Black Panther began to normalize the inclusion of Black Power in American culture, and as a result, many such musical artists paid tribute to the Party for creating opportunities for Black artists to create music empowering other Black Americans.