Myesha Newton, who identifies herself as the niece of Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton, recently shared a video on TikTok in response to Paul Birdsong, chairman of the contemporary Philadelphia-based Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. In her video, Newton stated that she has proof of her relationship to Huey Newton while raising concerns about the group’s use of the Black Panther Party name, arguing that it tarnishes the legacy of the original organization. She emphasized that the group has no institutional connection to the original Oakland, California–based party founded in 1966.
“I got birth certificate paperwork and a whole bunch of Newtons. Listen, this goes out to the Black Panther Party, the New United Black Panther Party, whoever’s out there protesting with these Somalians…I’m about to get a cease-and-desist order against you and I’m about to sue you. You are not going to defame my uncle’s name like that. We’re not doing that. See you in court, b*tches,” she stated.
Newton stressed the importance of historical accuracy and respect for the legacy established by her late uncle and fellow co-founder Bobby Seale of the original Black Panther Party.
The contemporary Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, led by Paul Birdsong, describes its mission as drawing on the traditions of armed self-defense and community survival programs associated with the 1960s party.
Birdsong’s group gained heightened attention after appearing at an anti–U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) demonstration in Philadelphia following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Members of the group were seen wearing black attire and carrying firearms at the protest, actions they said were intended to protect demonstrators.
Newton’s comments have reignited conversations about political legacy, the responsibilities tied to invoking historic movements, and the distinction between the original Black Panther Party and modern groups that adopt similar names and imagery.
The organization’s name and legacy have also been publicly linked to Fred Hampton Jr., the son of the late Fred Hampton Sr., who was a member of the original Black Panther Party, as reported by Black Westchester Magazine. There have also been online claims of Hampton Jr. speaking against the group and urging people not to share his videos; however, he has not released a formal public statement regarding the contemporary BPP group under Birdsong’s leadership.
L-R: Fred Hampton Sr (Chairman of the Black Panther Party [BPP] – Chicago) speaking on the telephone at the BPP Headquarters on West Madison Ave in Chicago, Illinois; Photo Credit: Paul Sequeira/Getty Images, and Fred Hampton Jr speaking to Fox 32 Chicago on the new exhibit showcasing the life and death of his late father, Fred Hampton Sr, in honor of Black History Month; Courtesy of Fox 32 Chicago
The use of the Black Panther Party name has sparked further public disputes involving claims of family endorsement. Attorney Rico Cortez Dukes, who identifies himself as Huey Newton’s biological son, stated in an Instagram video (Username: @official_son_of_huey_p_newton) that he had contacted Birdsong, “cleared” the Philadelphia chapter, and offered his support. Dukes also claimed that elders from the original 1966 Black Panther Party vouched for Birdsong’s group, and that Aaron Dixon (original group member and former chairman of the BPP Seattle chapter) was providing Birdsong with guidance. He further stated that he has an upcoming court date in February at Alameda County Superior Court in California to pursue proceeds and rights associated with his late father’s estate.
Newton responded to Dukes in another TikTok video by challenging his claimed family connection, offering him $25,000 to take a DNA test to prove his relationship to the Newton family. Dukes later responded by sharing paperwork of court proceedings, 23 and Me (DNA testing kit), family tree clippings, and other paperwork, as proof of being the son of the late co-founder Newton. He also posted screenshots of a back-and-forth message dispute between himself and Myesha online.
The Philadelphia group’s appearance and rhetoric have sparked broader discussions online and within communities about the authenticity and intentions of modern organizations using the Black Panther Party name. Opinions vary widely. Some argue that a revived organization inspired by the Panthers is needed today and express interest in joining the movement, while others dismiss Birdsong’s group as lacking any legitimate connection to the historic organization.
Commenting on a TikTok video posted by The Exclusive Press (EP) on January 18, 2026, one user, DivineFireSign, wrote:
“That guy is a 100% imposter. Don’t fall for it. Fred Hampton Jr. already said that man is not affiliated with the real Black Panther Party. He’s an agent. 🗣️ STAY AT HOME INDIGENOUS BLACK AMERICANS. This is not our fight!! ✊🏾”
Another commenter, Basir Ali, wrote:
“Yeah, we not buying this 🤔.”
In response to questions about the group’s legitimacy—and from those seeking to learn more—Birdsong released an Instagram video announcing a public meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at 12 p.m. at 2123 North Gratz Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Images of Paul Birdsong, the chairman of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, based in Philadelphia; Courtesy of Canvas Rebel and Instagram/@ChairmanPaulBirdsong
According to Birdsong, the gathering is intended for anyone interested in learning more about the group, with some former members of the original Black Panther Party expected to attend and vouch for its legitimacy. Birdsong also announced that a separate meeting, originally scheduled for January 25th, has been rescheduled to today at 3 p.m. due to weather conditions, according to an Instagram post. The meeting is open to those interested in joining the organization or making donations.
Thoughts?
