56 years ago, in the Spring of 1968, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense widened its influence to Seattle through the work of founding members and brothers, Aaron and Elmer Dixon. The Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party would be the first outside of Oakland to be authorized.
At 19 years old, Aaron Dixon became a co-founder and captain for the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party after having done work forming both the Black Student Union (BSU) at the University of Washington and the Seattle Chapter of the SNCC.
While at Garfield High School, Elmer Dixon helped organize the high school’s Black Student Union at 18 years old. In the same year, he contributed to the creation of the Seattle Black Panther Party along with his older brother. Soon the entire Dixon family would join the efforts.
Together, the brothers along with other Black Panther party members were able to establish a Free Breakfast Program for school children, the first free medical clinic in the Pacific Northwest, and various other programs for the community. Located predominantly in the historically Black neighborhood of the Central District, the Black Panther Party made a lasting impact on the community from 1968 through its disbanding in 1978.
Today the Seattle Chapter Black Panther Party Legacy Committee uplifts the history of the Seattle Chapter through its efforts toward preservation of historic sites all around the Central District.
“We want education for our people that exposes the true nature of this decadent American society. We want education that teaches us our true history and our role in the present day society.”
— From the Black Panther Party Ten Point Plan
