Former Black Panthers Recount 1966 Legacy in New Juneteenth Documentary
Updated
Updated · Harper's BAZAAR · Jun 18
Former Black Panthers Recount 1966 Legacy in New Juneteenth Documentary
2 articles · Updated · Harper's BAZAAR · Jun 18
Summary
Winston-Salem Black Panther veterans used a new Juneteenth documentary and interview to frame their chapter’s legacy around Black liberation, political education and resistance to today’s backlash.
The film highlights one of the chapter’s signature achievements: a free volunteer ambulance service built after local ambulances denied care and transport to Black residents.
Former members said the party’s organizing rested on study, community service and pride, arguing younger generations must understand systems of power rather than reduce oppression to individual prejudice.
They also described FBI surveillance and threats, saying trust from the surrounding community helped them endure repression that they believe still breeds future resistance.
Juneteenth, made a federal holiday in 2021, serves here as the broader frame for linking emancipation’s unfinished promise to the Panthers’ model of self-determination.
How did a Southern Black Panther chapter get white churches to fund its ambulance service under government surveillance?
As the Panthers’ legacy turns 60, how are new groups using technology to revive their fight for community self-determination?
Unveiling the Winston-Salem Panthers: Community Health, Government Repression, and the Ongoing Legacy of Black Liberation
Overview
Unveiled on Juneteenth 2026, the documentary 'Power to the People, Y’all' shines a light on the Winston-Salem chapter of the Black Panther Party, connecting their historic fight for Black liberation and self-determination to today's Juneteenth celebrations. The film highlights the chapter’s community organizing, such as the Joseph Waddell Free People’s Ambulance Service, and underscores the Panthers’ enduring commitment to empowerment. By carefully gathering authentic stories, the filmmakers offer a timely perspective that draws clear parallels between past and present struggles, inviting viewers to reflect on the lasting legacy of activism and community building.