English

“But that’s where we come into the picture, we are trying to channel their frustration into doing something good in the area. And then you have to convince them to do so. And that is the kind of organization that we are. We are not a left or right organization in that sence, we are a local organization that is trying to get people active in the democratic processes to make a change in their area. And then we use different methods and means to best capture the attention of the politicians and policy-makers. “

– Murat Solmaz
founder of the Panthers for the restoration of the suburb.

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Biskopsgården is a socio economically exposed suburb to Göteborg, Sweden. The last couple of years this suburb has suffered from reductions in the welfare system, causing increasing poverty and social vulnerability. As a result, criminal gangs grow stronger and shootings resulting in deaths have almost become an everday occurance.

A group of young people in the area refuse to stand by and watch while the world around them collapses. Inspired by The Black Panther Party For Self Defence they organize themselves and form the Panthers For The Restoration Of The Suburbs. They demand participation in the decisions taken by politicians and officials in order to create a shift in power which means more power to the people.

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I’m a fucking Panther is the second documentary we have made about the Panthers.
The first is called Do not treat us like animals and can be viewed here: youtube.com

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Interview by Gabriel Kuhn with Panther members: AAP

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A blogpost in english about the Panthers, race and suburbs in Sweden: fishrockroad.org

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