If you’re in the Bay Area, you HAVE to check out the West Oakland Mural Project!  We’re talking about honoring the women of the Black Panther Party.  This work of art is the first and ONLY public art installation honoring these pioneering women.

First off, let me reference the Black Panther post from mid-February that will give you some more Oakland sites.  The Mural Project simply deserved its own post.

Mural Project Building

The Black Panthers had their headquarters in West Oakland in the ‘60s and 70s.  You’ll find this mural around the corner from their building and is hard to miss.  It has a bright blue background and the muralist, Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, includes female figures and narratives to celebrate the women of the party.  

Don’t stop to only admire the external art, but schedule a time to explore the museum which is located in the building.  The mini-museum officially opened Juneteenth weekend in 2021.  It’s a private house, so make sure to contact the owner so you can view the exhibits inside.

The Oakland Museum of CA pays tribute to the Black Panther Party with an exhibit honoring their legacy and there are plenty of online guides to find physical sites of note around Oakland. The Mural Project, however, is the first site to focus on the women of the Party.  You’ll find that women made up a majority of its members and actually many of its chapters were led by women.

It’s amazing the things you’ll learn when you allow yourself to explore.  Definitely take some time to view the West Oakland Mural Project and schedule a visit to the mini-museum.  I really believe it will be time well spent.

Until next time,

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back