While the BPP was known for their armed self-defense and revolutionary philosophy, conflicts and confrontations with the police, what was lesser known about the Party, was their advocacy and programs for health equity for marginalized groups and populations and the Black population.

The founders created the Community Survival Programs as a response to the limitations of legislative efforts that inadequately addressed poverty in urban centers. There were over 20 survival programs created by the Party and they ranged from community education, health advocacy, free food programs, medical services, and many others.