Questions: While King believed in nonviolent struggle, the Black Panthers advocated for revolutionary violence. Black Panthers believed in the creation of an "all Blacks" nation, and King professed integration.

The strategies of the Black Panthers and Martin Luther King Jr. differed significantly in their approach to achieving civil rights and social justice for African Americans. Here is a detailed comparison:

1. Nonviolent Struggle vs. Revolutionary Violence:

   • Martin Luther King Jr.: King was a staunch advocate of nonviolent resistance. He believed in peaceful protests, civil disobedience, and working within the legal and political systems to bring about change. His approach was heavily influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence.
   • Black Panthers: The Black Panther Party, founded by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966, believed in self-defense and was open to the use of violence if necessary. They argued that African Americans had the right to defend themselves against systemic oppression and police brutality. This stance was a significant departure from King's nonviolent philosophy.

2. Working within the Court System vs. Community Dialogue:

   • Martin Luther King Jr.: King often worked within the legal system to challenge segregation and discrimination. He was involved in numerous legal battles and believed in the power of the courts to enforce civil rights laws.
   • Black Panthers: While the Black Panthers did engage in some legal battles, their primary focus was on grassroots community organizing. They established community programs such as free breakfast for children, health clinics, and education initiatives. They emphasized community empowerment and self-sufficiency rather than relying solely on the legal system.

3. Integration vs. Black Nationalism:

   • Martin Luther King Jr.: King was a proponent of integration and believed in a racially integrated society where people of all races could live together in harmony. His vision was one of equality and justice within a unified nation.
   • Black Panthers: While the Black Panthers did not explicitly advocate for the creation of an "all Blacks" nation, they were influenced by Black nationalist ideas. They emphasized Black pride, self-determination, and the need for African Americans to control their own communities and destinies. However, their ultimate goal was not necessarily separation but empowerment within the existing society.

In summary, while both the Black Panthers and Martin Luther King Jr. sought to address racial injustice, their methods and philosophies were distinct. King's approach was rooted in nonviolence and integration, while the Black Panthers emphasized self-defense, community empowerment, and were open to the use of force if necessary.