Final answer:
The Black Panther Party employed both non-violent community services and confrontational tactics, including armed self-defense. Their broader mission entailed resisting police brutality and capitalism, leading to a nuanced legacy of social activism and militancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Black Panther Party did not strictly adhere to non-violent tactics. Founded in 1966 by Bobby Seale and Huey Newton as a revolutionary socialist organization, they were involved in various forms of activism which included the right to armed self-defense. The Party's tactics involved patrolling African American neighborhoods to protect residents from police brutality and establishing community social programs.
However, conflicts, including gunfights with police, indicated a willingness to engage in violent confrontations under certain conditions, and their militant posture and some members' involvement in criminal activities cast doubt on adherence to non-violence.
Despite instances of violence, the Panthers also contributed significantly to community service and civil uplift with their grassroots Survival Programs. These activities mirrored the progressive reforms of the early 1900s, indicating that their legacy is complex, involving both community aid and more confrontational approaches.