Commemorating the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Black Panther Party

Feb 25, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm
University Library: Jack & Florence Ferman Presentation Room

Join us for transformative discussion about civil rights and activism from a panel of former Black Panther Party members.

This event is part of the CSUN University Library’s Black History Month event series.

Thank you to our co-sponsors for making these events possible: University Student Union (USU), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), California Faculty Association - Northridge Chapter (CFA - Northridge), Provost's Office, Africana Studies Department, The Tom & Ethel Bradley Center, and the Criminology Department.

Member Biographies

Norma Armour Mtume

Norma Mtume was raised in South Central Los Angeles and joined the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. She became the Party's Minister of Health and Minister of Finance, as well as a political prisoner. Mtume became a lifelong health justice activist and co-founder of SHIELDS for Families, a health non-profit which serves African American and Latino families in South LA.

Ruth Wakabayashi

Ruth Wakabayashi was born in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, to a Japanese family post-internment. After graduating from Cal State LA in 1969, she joined the Black Panther Party. She became an organizer and teacher at the Black Panthers' Oakland Community School. After leaving the party in 1977, she continued her activism with Nikkei Progressives, focusing on reparations and social justice.

Hank Jones

Hank Jones was born in Albany, Mississippi. He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in San Francisco in 1963. He then joined the Black Panther Party in 1967. In 2003, Hank Jones was one of the former Panthers known as the San Francisco 8 targeted by Homeland Security. He continues to be involved with international movements for liberation and social justice.

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Assistive Services

Requests for accommodation services (e.g. sign language interpreters or transcribers) must be made at least five (5) business days in advance. Please email library.event@csun.edu in advance of the event.