Des Moines, Iowa chapter of the Black Panther Party

The Des Moines, Iowa chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP) was founded in 1968 and remained active until 1970.^[1]^[2] After spending time with political organizers in California, Mary Rhem (who later changed her name to Sister Haadasha) returned home to Des Moines to formally establish a local branch of the Black Panther Party, making Des Moines' chapter one of few to be launched by a woman.^[1]^[2] The chapter implemented several survival programs intended to uplift and provide for the Black community in Des Moines, such as their Free Breakfast Program for schoolchildren and a Drug/Alcohol Program to combat addiction.^[1]^[2]

After splitting from the national party in 1970 due to ideological differences, the Des Moines chapter would eventually dissolve and split into different groups that continued to serve the Black community of Des Moines.^[1]^[2]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[:0-1] Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[:2-2] Cite error: The named reference :2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[1]

[2]