 They were influenced by the Black Panther Party and contemporary organizations including the Huey P. Newton Gun Club, but later split from the latter group.The BWDL describes itself as a Womanist organization.According to the group's Facebook page, it "works for the immediate pursuit of an intersectional, safe, and free society" and "organizes to provide immediate protection and services to Black Women and those most marginalized by White Supremacy."