Chronicles the history of the Black Panther Party, and discusses the social improvement programs and policies that the party created. Explores the party's legacy after its disbandment to the present day, and profiles influential party members. Includes black-and-white photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and additional resources.

Preface -- Spark : May 2, 1967. Shattering the status quo -- Kindling : 1619-1965. The dark past ; Separate but equal ; Shall we overcome? ; The aggressive alternative -- Blaze : 1966-1982. Picking up the gun ; A cold reception ; Filling the ranks ; Off the pigs! ; Death of the king ; Going national ; Life in the party ; Survival pending revolution ; All power to the people ; The wrath of COINTELPRO ; Traitors in the ranks ; Political prisoners ; The split ; Last gasp -- Embers : 1982-present. The post-Panther decades ; Legacy -- Author's note : Revolution in our time.