What is Chicago 37?

Chicago 37 is a conspiracy related to a plan by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to raid offices in the Chicago area and arrest leaders of the Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 and advocated for black self-determination and armed self-defense. The FBI viewed the party as a threat and sought to disrupt it.

On August 28, 1969, the FBI launched coordinated raids on Black Panther Party offices in Chicago and other cities. In Chicago, the FBI arrested dozens of Black Panthers and seized weapons and other evidence. The raids were highly controversial and sparked protests and riots in Chicago and other cities.

The Chicago 37 refers to the 37 Black Panther Party members who were originally charged in connection with the raids. After a lengthy legal battle, most of the charges against the Black Panthers were dropped or dismissed. However, the case remains a source of controversy and debate, and it is often cited as an example of government oppression of the Black Panther Party.