Black Power to Black People

The Black Power to Black People exhibition at Poster House delves into how the Black Panther Party strategically used branding and media to shape its narrative, mobilize communities, and cement its legacy as a defining militant group of the 1960s and '70s. This exhibition, designed in collaboration with award-winning agencies Kudos Collaboratory and KASA Collective, sets the tone from the very entrance, where two oversized protest signs lean against the gallery walls, featuring hand-painted lettering that echoes the Civil Rights era.

Utilizing the Bayard typeface, the exhibition bridges the past and present, capturing the bold and condensed lettering of 1960s protest posters while staying true to the museum's commitment to contemporary expression.

Inside, visitors are greeted by an iconic 1967 photograph of Huey Newton seated in a Peacock Chair, juxtaposed against minstrel posters depicting caricatured Black figures. This stark contrast between self-empowerment and dehumanizing imagery highlights the core message of the exhibition: reclaiming control over public representation. The narrative unfolds through six chronological sections that trace the evolution of the Black Panther Party’s branding.

Throughout, bold typography, militaristic colors, and dynamic visuals mirror the Panther’s own design strategies—delivering messages of strength, resistance, and activism. A looping soundtrack from Seize the Time by Elaine Brown accompanies the exhibition, further immersing visitors in the revolutionary spirit of the time. Black Power to Black People invites reflection on how these powerful design principles remain relevant today in ongoing discussions of identity and activism.