Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers

In words and photographs, POWER TO THE PEOPLE is the story of the Black Panther Party. Published on the 50th anniversary of its founding, this book is the in-depth chronicle of the controversial and revolutionary social organization—released at a time when the nation is once again roiled by the consequences of racial injustice. Stephen Shames, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, first encountered and photographed Panther Chairman Bobby Seale in April 1967 at an anti–Vietnam War rally. Seale became a mentor to Shames, and Shames, in turn, became the most trusted photographer to the party, remaining by Seale’s side through his campaign for mayor of Oakland in 1973. POWER TO THE PEOPLE is a testament to their warm association: At its heart are Shames’s memorable images, accompanied by Seale’s colorful in-depth commentary. The book also features recollections of other living party members—including Kathleen Cleaver, Elbert “Big Man” Howard, Billy X Jennings, among others.