GEORGE JACKSON'S FUNERAL - August 1971

I was working at Central Headquarters of the Black Panther Party (BPP) when George Jackson was murdered by guards in San Quentin Prison in 1971.

I had never met George personally, but I knew his mother and sister who worked very closely with the Party. I had met his brother Jonathan once at Central Headquarters when he came by with Angela Davis. We spoke briefly.

Early in 1971, members of the BPP would go to court to show support for George, Fleeta Drumgo and John Cluchette during their trial for the alleged murder of a prison guard in Soledad - The Soledad Brothers Trial.

George Jackson was one of the leaders of the developing Prison Rights Movement at the time. He helped development a new consciousness among prisoners based on political education, service to the community and the destruction of the evil capitalistic system. George was Field Marshall of the Black Panther Party and had a fantastic gift for writing. He had a clear analysis of the evils of capitalism and how it affected our community.

George was loved by all Party members. When he was murdered, many Party members wanted to take up arms to avenge his death. I was one of them. We were ready, but were directed by the Central committee to chill out and stay focused and the larger, protracted struggle.