Jamal Al-Amin (1943–2025)

Former head of the SNCC and Minister of Justice for the Black Panthers and current prison inmate convicted for the murder of two cops H. Rap Brown is a man with some grievances. Grievances that he feels America has met with such ill faith that he isn't obligated to be civil about them.

The revolutionary theory parts are pretty standard stuff you've heard before but there's a lot of valuable detail about the texture of growing up black in 1950s America and interesting historical tidbits about show more the Civil Rights struggle that get glossed over in the popular modern conception.

Brown's relentless hostility and verbal flair make this book a consistently entertaining read whose 140 or so pages fly by in short order. show less

A very great read. Short but it explained to the reader what sort of thinking one should have in regards to the systems of this country. Part of me wishes there was more for the autobiography but this was written earlier in his life so obviously that can't be done. Very thoughtful and full of personality which is always appreciated.

“The news media is one of the greatest enough to black people.” That statement is still true 50 years after the fact. In the 50 years since this book was written blacks are still portrayed horribly on news media. I wish I would have read it in high school. This book showed me that we are still slaves in a way and how the police still don’t care for those of color. Rap Brown explains how even black police have no regard for those of color either. Ice Cube said it perfectly a few years show more later in 1988 “Black police showin' out for the white cop.”

More about police volience to educate yourself: https://mappingpoliceviolence.org

The book loses a star due to all the homophobia, I tried to take on consideration of the times this book was written but it was still upsetting to see. Regardless of that, I still recommend you read it. Rap Brown is in jail for the murder of two black cops and I’m curious if he’s working on any other writing while in prison. Apparently he’s innocent, I want to research more about the case. In this book Rap Brown recounts a lot of times where the police were trying to get him and put him in jail. show less

Available to read on the internet at:
http://www.historyisaweapon.org/defcon1/dnd.html