The Black Panthers didn't mock people for their lack of education. They taught people how to read.

The claim consists of two parts: first, that the Black Panthers did not mock people for lacking education, and second, that they taught people how to read. Historical evidence supports both components. The Black Panther Party established community programs focused on education, including free breakfast programs coupled with educational initiatives and liberation schools that taught reading and writing to children labeled 'uneducable' by the mainstream system.en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgBlack Panther Party

Elaine Brown, a prominent Panther member, personally taught reading and writing to youth, demonstrating a commitment to literacy rather than ridicule.en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgBlack Panther Party Additionally, the Panthers required members to read books related to Black liberation and socialism, emphasizing self-education and empowerment through knowledge.rethinkingschools.orgrethinkingschools.orgWhat We Don't Learn About the Black Panther Party — but Shouldkqed.orgkqed.org5 Ways the Black Panthers Shaped U.S. Schools Their educational efforts aimed to counteract systemic neglect and provide culturally relevant curricula that mainstream schools lacked.zinnedproject.orgzinnedproject.orgWhat We Don’t Learn About the Black Panther Party — but Should

There is no credible evidence that the Panthers mocked individuals for their educational status; rather, they sought to uplift and educate. This aligns with their broader mission of community empowerment and social justice. While some critiques note the challenges faced by their schools, including lack of resources, the core intent was educational support rather than derision.