This collection highlights the Black Liberation Army (BLA), an underground Marxist-Leninist organization that operated in the United States from 1970-1981. BLA was primarily made up of former Black Panthers and Republic of New Afrika members. The organization's goal was to “take up arms for the liberation and self-determination of Black people in the United States” and they openly declared war on the United States government. Former Black Panther Party member and Jackson State University professor Frankye Adams-Johnson’s Black Panther Party Collection includes many items associated with the BLA such as newspaper clippings, BLA newsletters, drafts of speeches, position papers, and more. These materials offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of this underground organization.
Curated By
Garrad Lee
Contributing Institution
Jackson State University
About This Record
The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu
A requiem written to Anthony White (Kimu Olugbala) and Woodie Green (Changa Olugbala), two members of the Black Liberation Army (BLA) who died in prison. The author writes that their memory will be used as fuel for the ongoing struggle against oppression. A quote from Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara is printed at the bottom of page 2.
A newspaper article from The News Tribune about Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) being in New Jersey to stand trial for the May 1973 killing of a state trooper. The author writes about the process that went into Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) being confined to solitary confinement and the court hearing that took place to examine the evidence.
A newspaper article from The Home News about the heavy security that accompanied Clark Squire on his move from Trenton State Prison to Middlesex County for a six hour meeting with Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) and her defense team. Squire was earlier convicted of the same 1973 killing of a state trooper that Shakur was on trial for.
A newspaper article from The Home News about workmen cleaning painted slogans in support of Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard), on trial for the 1973 killing of a state trooper, from the Middlesex County Courthouse. Slogans such as “Free Assata” and “Stop the Lynching” had been spraypainted on the building between 1-2am.
An essay about the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and the need for politically mobilizing an armed populace toward the collective goal of Marxism-Socialism-Leninism in America. The author writes that the BLA must do a better job of organizing the Black working class to achieve liberation and socialism.
An essay from an unknown author sharing thoughts about the idea of an upcoming guerilla war in the United States and the tactics that would be necessary. The author writes that the years after 1970 could see a rise in political assassinations, bombings, and sabotage of power plants and technological systems.
A newspaper article from The News Tribune summarizing key points from the prosecution's case after the state had rested its case against Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) for the 1973 killing of a state trooper. The defense, after intense cross-examination of prosecution witnesses, was scheduled to begin presenting its case on March 14, 1977.
A newspaper article from The News Tribune about forensic tests performed on the bodies of the victims and defendants in the murder trial of Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) being inconclusive to show that the defendants held or shot the weapons in question. Shakur was on trial for the 1973 killing of a state trooper.
A newspaper article from The News Tribune about multiple disruptions on March 2, 1977, in the trial of Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) for the 1973 killing of a state trooper. Several spectators were ejected from the court after Superior Court Judge Theodore Appleby accused the defense team of orchestrating outbursts during evidence submission.
A newspaper from the New Jersey Afro-American about discrepancies in the testimony of trooper James Harper in the trial of Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) for the 1973 killing of a state trooper. In cross-examination, it was revealed that Harper had not seen Shakur fire the shot that had wounded him even though he had claimed that earlier.
A newspaper article from The News Tribune about the testimony of State Police Detective James Challender describing what he saw at the emergency room where Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) and wounded state trooper Werner Foerster were taken after he was fatally shot. Shakur was on trial for the 1973 murder of Foerster.
A newspaper article from The Star Ledger about District Court Judge George H. Barlow inspecting the cell where Assata Shakur (JoAnne Chesimard) is being held in Middlesex County to stand trial for the May 1973 killing of a state trooper. Shakur was convicted in 1977 of the killing and escaped prison in 1979.
