The true :BLACK AUGUST NIGHT
By T Ursula Green
I grew up in the 1960’s and I remember the rise of (The Black Panther Party) in Oakland, California around 1966, and its founders Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale. The person that I am writing about may be a surprise, but I am often shocked when a person does not know the name George Lester Jackson or possibly remembers an opportunity that was given, to listen in on conversations about him, especially for those who have lived in Chicago and or California.
Those two locations were the focal points of his existence.
Although his physical form left this world over 50 years ago. We must not forget the impact and stance that he took, while being here. He was a young black man, who almost made it to age 30.
George was born on 9/23/41 in Chicago and unfortunately he passed away in California on 8/21/71 and it was exactly one month before he was to celebrate his birthday. George never lived to see his 30th birthday, but he was a young black man with dreams and ambition, he was one of many just finding their path in life and being true to oneself. What you are about to read next are the life events which led to his demise and others. I wrote this poem in honor of George Lester Jackson.
He lived as a political prisoner and freedom was his fight..
At 18, he was convicted and then placed behind the walls of California’s San Quentin..
By 1966 he gained fame by becoming a leader of all vocal rallies..
A proud member of the Black Panther Party and co-founder of the Black Guerrilla family..
Through the words of Marvin Gaye “It makes me wanna holler”..
Why was he sentenced to life behind 70 Fuckin dollars?..
No justice for him or the
others, George was relocated and then named one of the
SOLEDAD BROTHERS…
By 1970, his 17 yr old brother Jonathan, burst into the
Marin County Court..
His plea was to try and free all political prisoners, but the judge immediately objected..
Now the sounds ringing in the hallways were from automatic weapons…
A year later at the age of 29, George did his best not to allow his fellow inmates to be slaughtered, he himself went down with a fight…
After being shot and killed by guards on 8/21/71…
The true: Black August Night
