First, you're not saying Heron is talking about the Black Panthers in "Comment #1", right? Here he is criticizing the "New Left" movement, often represented by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). Though the Black Panthers had some allies in that counter-cultural movement (like the Rainbow Coalition mentioned in the piece), it was mostly dominated by white, middle-class students. I think you could do a much more critical reading of that text to unveil the many layers of critique presented by Heron (think race AND class)

As for books on the Black Panther Party, there are quite a few. Black Against Empire came out earlier this year and is an excellet, comprehensive history of the Black Panther movement (though it does marginalize the community work and women's roles).I also recommend Black Panthers Reconsidered, which has a lot of essays on the Party's cultural influence.

EDITED because I'm an academic and the first draft is never good enough. In sum, re-think your question. Look at your primary text (Comment #1) again, and let me know if you have any other questions.

I can't recall for certain -- Bobby Seale may have presented this in public speaking -- but I believe his Seize the Time covers the development of the Black Panthers quite well.

Police in Los Angeles at the time were not noted for fair treatment of African Americans, and as the law allowed for the carrying of (open breeched?) shotguns and the recording of sound in public the Panthers took on the role of protective third parties. Programs concerning the provision of meals and improvement of urban neighborhoods followed. I can believe that dope was present but long hair and grime were probably considerably harder to find.