The Black Panther Party is celebrating its 47th anniversary with a three-day educational and artistic forum at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa.
Former members of the Black Panther Party, community activists and members of the public will address the myths and realities of the party and its role in the country's history.
The host of the gathering, Elbert "Big Man" Howard, the former deputy minister of information and a founding member of the Black Panther Party, will speak at the opening of the forum at 6 p.m. Thursday and at the closing at 5:45 p.m. Saturday.
The three-day event includes photo and mixed media exhibits, films, workshops and more than a dozen scheduled speakers.
Emory Douglas, former Black Panther Party minister of culture, will give the keynote address Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
The anniversary celebration began at 1 p.m. today and resumes at 11:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Tickets for the event are available at the Arlene Francis Center at 99 Sixth St., and at www.brownbagtickets.com.
