fuckyeahmarxismleninism:

August 7, 1970 — Anniversary of the Marin California Courthouse Slave Rebellion

By Kiilu Nyasha

“Freeze!” shouted 17-year-old Jonathan Jackson, “We’re taking over” — as he tossed guns to McClain, Christmas, and Magee. With courage and calm they ushered their hostages to a waiting van, planning to go to a radio station to broadcast the racist atrocities against Black prisoners, and demand the immediate release of the Soledad Brothers — George Jackson, Fleeta Drumgo and John Clutchette.

What Jackson failed to anticipate was the State’s willingness to sacrifice one of its judges and the lives of everyone else to stop that escape. As he tried to leave the parking lot, the San Quentin guards arrived and opened fire, leaving Jackson, Christmas, McClain, and Judge Harold Haley dead, State prosecutor Gary Thomas and Ruchell Magee seriously wounded. One juror sustained a minor injury.

Although critically wounded making it impossible for him to have killed anyone, Magee was charged with everything they could throw at him. In court to testify for McClain that fateful day, Magee had seized the hour spontaneously.