The Black Panther Party, founded in 1966, significantly impacted the civil rights movement by advocating for self-defense, social justice, and empowerment within African American communities. Through its community programs, such as free breakfast for children and health clinics, the party addressed systemic inequalities and provided essential services to marginalized populations. The Panthers also brought national attention to issues like police brutality and economic disparity. While the group's militant approach was controversial, it inspired a new generation of activists and highlighted the importance of direct action in fighting racial oppression, influencing broader movements for social change beyond the civil rights era.