California Museum to Host Powerful Celebration Commemorating the Black Panther Party on Saturday, June 14

Community celebration honors the enduring legacy of the Black Panther Party with a new exhibition, live music, dancing, guest speakers, family-friendly activities and more. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — April 30, 2025: The California Museum invites the public to explore the legacy of the Black Panther Party during “By the People, For the People: A Black Panther Party Celebration,” on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. The special community event marks the opening of the new exhibition “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories” and offers an engaging afternoon of education, culture, and activism rooted in Northern California history. 

The event will feature presentations from Emory Douglas, Social Justice Artist and former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, and Susanna Lamaina, photographer and creator of “Revolutionary Grain.” Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to hear directly from former Party members during a dynamic panel discussion exploring the Black Panther Party’s survival programs and their relevance today. Panelists include former Black Panthers Billy X Jennings, Ericka Huggins, Malik Edwards, and Gayle “Asali” Dixon. 

“This celebration is more than an event—it’s a space for reflection, recognition, and renewal of the values of community service the Black Panther Party stood for,” said Amanda Meeker, Executive Director of the California Museum. “We look forward to welcoming artists, activists, and community members on June 14 as they come together to examine the movement’s legacy and elevate its message through dialogue.” 

The celebration will mark the grand opening of the Museum’s newest temporary exhibit, “Revolutionary Grain: Celebrating the Spirit of the Black Panthers in Portraits and Stories.” In the exhibit, photographer Susanna Lamaina’s contemporary portraits of former Black Panthers give a glimpse into their later roles as lawyers, social workers, teachers, and political activists. “Revolutionary Grain” is a compelling look at the enduring legacies of rank-and-file members who changed history and dedicated their lives to community service. The exhibit will be on view at the California Museum through November 2, 2025. 

In addition to the exhibit opening, attendees will enjoy live music by Bob Jones and the Chosen Few and DJ Abs1er, line dancing with Tina B. and the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers, family-friendly games and crafts, and food and beverages for purchase from Soul Ona Roll and Urban Roots Brewery. 

Tickets are on sale now for $8 and advance registration is recommended. Museum members and children 12 and under may attend for free. Admission includes access to the event and all Museum exhibits, including “Revolutionary Grain.” For more information or to purchase tickets, visit BlackPanthers.Eventbrite.com 

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA MUSEUM:  

The California Museum—home of the California Hall of Fame—focuses on the state’s rich history, its diversity and its unique influence on the world of ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through interactive experiences, the Museum inspires visitors to make a mark on history. Located at 1020 O Street in the March Fong Eu Secretary of State complex, the Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $8-$10. Plan a visit at californiamuseum.org 

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Press images and interviews available by email request. Onsite interviews must be scheduled a minimum of 48 hours in advance. For assistance, please email dwood@californiamuseum.org.