1967 – Huey P. Newton Arrested in Oakland

On May 17, 1967, Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, was arrested in Oakland, California, on charges related to a previous traffic stop confrontation. The arrest drew national attention and sparked widespread outrage, further mobilizing the Black Power Movement. Newton’s legal battles, including the high-profile “Free Huey” campaign, became emblematic of state repression against Black activists. The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966, had been gaining momentum through community programs, armed self-defense, and political education. Newton’s arrest on May 17 crystallized tensions between the police and Black liberation efforts, revealing how Black leadership was criminalized in an attempt to suppress revolutionary change. This moment catalyzed new organizing strategies and brought international awareness to the Black Panther Party’s cause. May 17 stands as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made by activists and the enduring fight against systemic oppression.