George Jackson

Date of Birth: September 23, 1941

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: August 21, 1971

Biography

George Jackson was an American author, activist, and member of the Black Panther Party. Born on September 23, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, Jackson grew up in a turbulent period marked by racial injustice and social upheaval. He became politically active after being imprisoned for a series of petty crimes and later charged with the murder of a prison guard, a case that made him a symbol of the struggle against systemic racism and prison reform. While incarcerated, Jackson educated himself extensively, reading political theory, philosophy, and history. His writings, particularly “Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson,” became influential texts in the Black liberation movement. Jackson’s staunch advocacy for the rights of prisoners and his critique of the American justice system earned him both admiration and notoriety. George Jackson was killed on August 21, 1971, during an alleged escape attempt from San Quentin State Prison. His death remains a controversial subject, with many believing he was targeted due to his revolutionary activities.

5 Interesting Facts about George Jackson

1. George Jackson joined the Black Panther Party while in prison.

2. His book, “Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson,” became a bestseller and an important text in the Black liberation movement.

3. Jackson was one of the “Soledad Brothers,” a group of inmates charged with the murder of a prison guard.

4. He was killed under suspicious circumstances during an alleged escape attempt from San Quentin State Prison.

5. His younger brother, Jonathan Jackson, died in a 1970 attempt to free him and other inmates by taking hostages in a courtroom.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Jackson

1. “Patience has its limits. Take it too far, and it’s cowardice.”

2. “I’m not anti-white, I’m anti-oppression.”

3. “If one is free at heart, no man-made chains can bind one to servitude.”

4. “Black men born in the US who are not enemies of the white ruling class have no self-respect.”

5. “I met Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, Engels, and Mao when I entered prison and they redeemed me.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As an activist and prisoner, George Jackson did not accumulate personal wealth. His highest “net worth” could be considered the impact and legacy of his writings and activism.