“I want to remind all Africans, please come to Africa. It’s right across the water. Come look at yourselves. Momma is waiting” -Geronimo Pratt
(Geronimo Pratt)
Geronimo Pratt was born as Elmer Pratt on September 13th, 1947 in Morgan City, Louisiana, USA. In high school he was a star quarterback. He then served 2 tours in the Vietnam war. He reached the rank of sergeant and earned two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts.
(Pratt in the military)
He then moved to Los Angeles, CA. He attended UCLA. He then joined the Black Panther Party. He rose to be Minister of Defense of the local organization. He then changed his name to “Geronimo Ji Jaga”.
(Ji Jaga in the Black Panther Party)
In 1970 Ji Jaga was targeted by the FBI for COINTELPRO. Also in 1970 Jaga was wrongfully arrested for murder and kidnapping. In 1972 he was convicted of the crimes. While in prison he studied law. In 1997 his conviction was vacated.
(Ji Jaga in 1997)
In 1999 he was freed from prison.
(Ji Jaga in 1999)
Ji Jaga received $4.5 million as settlement for false imprisonment. Ji Jaga continued to work on behalf of men and women believed to be wrongfully incarcerated, including participation in rallies in support of Mumia Abu Jamal.
(Ji Jaga giving a speech at Johnnie Cochran’s funeral)
On June 2nd, 2011 Ji Jaga died of a heart attack in Tanzania. He was 63 years old.
(Ji Jaga’s memorial service)
Today is his 69th birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Geronimo Pratt.
Videos of Geronimo Pratt
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgS3tqFT6Tk “Geronimo Pratt is Free”
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs1bgQ7DKzg “Geronimo Pratt (Tupac's Godfather) - Rest In Peace - 1997 Release From Jail [CNN]”
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