30 For 30: Volume VII
“Over 500 Black people die in Alabama each year for lack of proper food and nourishment. This is happening in a country that sends people to the moon.” — H. Rap Brown: Die Nigger Die, 1969
Rap’s 1969 political autobiography is one of the most thought-provoking books I’ve read to date. Almost every page contained a highlight. Whether it was an unrighteous statistic such as the highlight chosen here; or just an eloquent play on words, Rap’s ‘memoir’ was a thorough, honest and empowering read.
When many think of the Civil Rights Movement, the two names that typically come to mind are Malcolm and Martin. Occasionally some may peel back another layer and mention Stokely Carmichael or Fred Hampton. Very few take it a step further and mention H. Rap Brown (now known as Jamil Al-Amin). Like the masses, I was introduced to Al-Amin’s story later in life. If I had to describe what I now know of him in one word, it would be radical. And the common thread amongst those who seem to necessarily shake up the world, is that they’re radicals. Al-Amin led movements from the mid-60's throughout the 90’s, serving as head of the Nonviolent Action Group (NAG) as well as SNCC, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He was associated with the likes of Nina Simone, Muhammad Ali and Kareem Abdul-Jabar all taking to him for his honest and electrifying fight for the liberation of our people.
In the interest of time, I won’t re-write his entire biography. However, I do want to share a few qualities and thoughts of his that have inspired me.
- He was never blindly Pro-Black. He was critical of our race in the right ways. Al-Amin was an individualistic thinker and promoted a similar agenda. He was very articulate regarding the tribal nature of Black people post-slavery but pre-integration and how this thinking-way often set us back more than it did promote community. A quote of his that I love when speaking about “College Brothers” and “Brothers on the Block” is: “College students, however, get caught in a trick, because they think that to be accepted by the young bloods, they have to be tough, be a warrior. But all they have to do is show the brother that they respect him and that they recognize that he is a brother. All Black people are involved in the same struggle”.
- To this day, it’s not uncommon for someone to say that they admire how another ‘speaks their mind’. I think Rap embodied this to his core without thinking twice. In 1965, the NAACP, SNCC and other Civil Rights groups had a meeting at the White House to ‘push for change’. Contrary to other members, Al-Amin outwardly stated to the current president (LBJ) that he was not happy to be there and that he believes the majority of Black people that voted for him wish they had gone fishing.
- Lastly, is simply that he hasn’t given in. Al-Amin is currently serving life in prison without parole from a 2002 conviction. His health is deteriorating and it is unlikely that he is getting the necessary treatment. Like so many other cases of the U.S. Department of Justice against prominent Black figures, there are several aspects of his case, particularly the evidence against him, that would raise a fair share of eyebrows. However, to that end, I strongly encourage anyone who’s interested to do their own research and develop their own independent opinion.
To me, this autobiography served as an indication of what it looks like to effortlessly live your truth. Mentioned in this text, but only briefly, is the idea of the negro who has been accepted by white America via a trade or job but nothing further. Therefore, we integrate and go to work each day but after realizing we’re only partially accepted, rush to our TV’s after work and cheer for brothers on the block rioting. I think this illustration becomes more of a reality the farther along we go. The more opportunities that present themselves for us to elevate, the easier it is to forget or marginalize the battle we face as a collective. ‘They’ will never shy away from a moment to remind us that we are not equal. Therefore it’s crucial we stay one step ahead and always remember that regardless of the opportunity, status or wealth possessed, our allegiance, is to our people.
This highlight is just one example of approximately 150 pages of graphic illustrations painted regarding America’s priorities and the battle we face as Black people in America. Rap powerfully captured it over 50 years ago and unfortunately much of it still resonates to this day. To close, I must acknowledge a very close friend of mine that introduced me to Rap’s life and more importantly, lent me his copy of the book until I copped my own. Forever grateful for you, my boy. Cheers, Cash.
