The Black Panther Party (originally the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense) was a Marxist–Leninist and black power political organization. The party’s core practice was its open carry patrols (“copwatching”) designed to challenge the excessive force and misconduct of the Oakland Police Department. From 1969 onward, the party created social programs, including the Free Breakfast for Children Programs, education programs, and community health clinics.