The founding of the Black Panther Party and the rise of Black Nationalist/Black Power actually could be argued to have hindered King’s movement. There values were in direct contrast. King was a strict follower of nonviolence. The Black Panthers were very pro-gun. King’s greatest accomplishments all occurred before the rise of the Black Panthers. For example, the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Following the rise of Black Nationalist groups, we began to see King’s vision fall through the cracks. Violence erupted in Chicago and in Watts (Watts Riots). These movements lead King to depression and severely hurt his nonviolent movement. In fact many began to question if this movement for racial equality could even continue. Others (such as White politicians) were not very fearful of such groups like the Black Panthers because violence can easily be countered with more violence. King’s movements left a more symbolic and strong mark on the power and importance of a truly fair and equal society for all races.

In conclusion, I propose that this question is a fallacy. The more accurate question should read: To what extend did the Black Panthers harm MLK’s reform?