Black Power to Black People Exhibition Design

“Black Power to Black People: Branding the Black Panther Party” curated by Es-pranza Humphrey explored how the Black Panther Party used bold visual language to define Black identity, mobilize communities, and challenge systemic oppression during the Civil Rights era. Posters, newspapers, and photographs captured how the Party developed a graphic brand rooted in Black nationalism, political activism, and community empowerment.

“‘Black Power to Black People: Branding the Black Panther Party’ is not a definitive history of Black Panther / Black Power graphics. It is a well curated selection, organised to tell the story of visual branding, and the exhibition design and structure does that extremely well.”

— Robert Newman at Eye Magazine

Our exhibition design echoed the spirit of the movement through visual and material choices grounded in the 1960s protest era. The title graphics took inspiration from the physical embodiment of protest signs as they greeted visitors at the entrance of the gallery, leaning against the wall, hand-painted with lettering inspired by Civil Rights demonstrations—Bayard by Vocal Type. Inside, bold typography, militaristic colors, and heroic imagery created a strong visual through-line across six chronological sections. Together, these design elements reinforced the Black Panther Party’s legacy of media-savvy activism and its lasting impact on American culture.

Awarded the Communication Arts Award of Excellence. Photography by Stephanie Powell.

Exhibition Design, Protest Posters, Poster House, Poster Design, Chelsea, New York