Let it Shine T-Shirt

100% Cotton Comfort Colors Brand
Color: Black
Unisex Cut (Average Fit)

M. Gayle Dickson, known artistically as Asali, was the sole woman in the Graphic Arts Department of the Black Panther Party's Intercommunal News Service, led by Emory Douglas, from 1972 to 1974. Many of her illustrations highlighted themes of women, elders, and children, reflecting the Party’s commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.

This era coincided with the “Oakland: A Base of Operation” campaign, where the Black Panther Party, continuing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement, ran Bobby Seale for Mayor of Oakland and Elaine Brown for City Council. As part of this effort, the Party registered 10,000 Oakland residents to vote, distributed an equal number of free grocery bags (each with a chicken), and supported progressive candidates like Shirley Chisholm for President and the re-election of Ron Dellums to Congress.

The Black Panther Party’s broader Survival Pending Revolution campaign also took root at this time, addressing the immediate needs of Black communities while pursuing long-term revolutionary change. Programs like free breakfast for children, health clinics, education initiatives, and community self-defense underscored their mission to foster self-sufficiency and resist systemic oppression.

100% of the net proceeds from the Survival Pending Revolution Collection will be donated to Asali Caring Circle, supporting Gayle Dickson’s ongoing work and helping ensure her safety.

About the Art:  

Originally titled "Let it Shine, Let It Shine! Let The Power of the People Shine!", this 11x17 pencil, grease pencil, and photo collage was featured on the back page of the June 5, 1972 issue of the Black Panther Intercommunal News Service.

The artwork depicts an elder woman, beaming with joy, wearing glasses and a hat adorned with a button that reads, “Vote for Survival.” She holds a grocery bag filled with food, along with a rolled-up newspaper. The newspaper headlines support “Shirley Chisholm for President,” with a smaller headline inside that reads, “Re-elect Ron Dellums.” The grocery bag is marked with “Free Food Program” and features a photo of Bobby Seale alongside the words, “Bobby for Mayor.” 

This powerful image connects the struggles of everyday life to political advocacy, emphasizing the importance of community-led efforts in the fight for survival and justice.