Just a picture today. I made this portrait of my godfather Geronimo Ji Jaga (formerly Geronimo Pratt) a while ago and am posting it here in memoriam, because Geronimo died today. He was the bravest, strongest, and kindest man I ever knew, and the example I could always look to above all others to know what was right. He was a hero of the Vietnam War, a leader of the Black Power movement, and a political prisoner for 27 years after being framed for murder by the LAPD. He died in the Tanzanian village he moved to after being freed. He was only 63 but he lived centuries. He saved lives and spoke with cockroaches and provided me with the clearest example in the world of what hope is. He wouldn't have gone if he wasn't fully ready.
I never needed heroes from comic books because he was a part of my life.
I'll see you on the other side, Geronimo.
4 comments:
Your post is beautiful portrait of Geronimo. Thank you for putting into words some of what I am feeling.
Big Ups for Eulogizing Geronimo Pratt. You're fortunate to have had a live role model like that growing up. The Panthers inspired me and guided me through their words and deeds. A Personification of the Poetry of Revolutionary Politics.
BTW did he ever voice his opinion to you on Eldridge and which side he was really on?
Geronimo Pratt was your godfather?!? Wow. Sorry for your loss.
@Sneaky Peete - I was way too young to ever really talk politics or ideas with Geronimo. He left for Africa when I was basically still a kid. He told me some interesting Vietnam/Panama basic training stories though.
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