by Greg Thomas
The remarkable journey of the “George Jackson in the Sun of Palestine” display, showcased initially in the West Bank in October 2015, led me to forge connections with the African Palestinian community residing in the Old City of Jerusalem. Subsequently, this community hosted the exhibit at their African Community Hall nearby Al Aqsa Mosque, where these Black individuals are considered the “guardians.” Shortly after participating in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Black Panther Party at the Oakland Museum of California, we managed to bring the exhibition to the Gaza Strip two years ago, despite the challenges posed by the Israeli siege. Through this endeavor, I was introduced to the Black community in Gaza, who enthusiastically embraced the exhibition with grace and enthusiasm.
How did “Comrade George” find its way to Gaza? For years, I had endeavored to visit Gaza personally. Even before the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, this was a goal I had pursued after conducting numerous interviews with Palestinian former prisoners in the West Bank and Lebanon. Just when it seemed impossible to physically reach Gaza, I received a message in Arabic on our Facebook page regarding the “George Jackson in the Sun of Palestine” exhibition. Subsequently, I was contacted via email by a person named Muhammad Ismail, who shared crucial information with me. This led to our collaboration to bring the exhibition to Gaza City.
Working closely with Muhammad and his brother, Ahmad Ismail, we organized the event as a small collective effort. Initially scheduled to commence on Aug. 8, 2022, the striking poster designed by Ahmad signaled the event. However, due to Israeli bombings in Gaza a day before the scheduled date, we had to reschedule. Undeterred, we swiftly rearranged the exhibition for Aug. 16-17, 2022, with a revised poster reflecting the updated dates. Ahmad’s exceptional artistic skills ensured a seamless transition to the new exhibition dates.
Ahead of the launch, an intriguing preview article by Sabah Jalloul was featured in Assafir Al-Arabi, a prominent newspaper in Lebanon. Following this, Muhammad penned a firsthand account for media platforms like Amad and Palestine News Network (PNN). Additionally, he conducted a live interview-report on local radio station ZMN FM. Recounted by PNN English, the event “Gaza Celebrates George Jackson, International Revolutionary” unfolded as follows:
“In mid-August, the YMCA-Gaza hosted the ‘George Jackson in the Sun of Palestine’ exhibition. This event coincided with the 51st anniversary of the martyrdom of the international revolutionary, George L. Jackson, the Black Panther Party Field Marshal who was assassinated by San Quentin prison officials of the U.S. government on August 21st, 1971…”
“The exhibition took place over two days: August 16th and 17th. Despite the challenging conditions in Gaza after the recent severe Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, hundreds of Gaza residents attended the event, possibly totaling around one thousand individuals. The significant turnout is noteworthy given the circumstances that forced a delay in the exhibition’s opening from August 8th to August 16th.
“The breadth of attendees was notable. Alongside a few members of the YMCA board of directors, numerous writers, poets, literary critics, painters, historians, academics, and teachers were in attendance. Additionally, several retired Fedayeen visited, including Fedayeen of the Fahd Aswad (Black Panther cadres) in Gaza, Fedayeen of PFLP, and Fedayeen of Popular Struggle Front.”
“Noteworthy,**Rebel Expo in Gaza: Connecting Communities through Art**
The first-ever event of its kind took place in Gaza, featuring the border-crossing exhibition “George Jackson in the Sun of Palestine.” Initially launched at the Abu Jihad Center in the West Bank, the exhibition has since traveled to various locations worldwide. It was recently hosted by the African Community Center in Jerusalem.
The event in Gaza saw a significant turnout, with the largest number of attendees in the exhibition’s history. The gathering emphasized the importance of Black community participation, highlighting the diverse connections between communities. An image of Ibrahim Al-Er, an Afro-Palestinian icon of the First Intifada, was included in the exhibition to pay tribute to his legacy.
The exhibition aimed to combine art with revolutionary research, echoing Frantz Fanon’s concept of “passionate research.” Collaborating with independent scholar Muhammad Jihad Ismail, interviews were conducted in Gaza to explore themes of resistance and captivity in local history. The project sought to bridge local narratives with the international scope of the exhibition, emphasizing the legacy of the Black Panther movement and its ties to Palestinian resistance poetry.
The event in Gaza fostered a sense of unity and cultural exchange, showcasing the power of art to transcend borders and bring communities together.
Commencing in 2023, the project steadily gained momentum until October, despite facing challenges like the “Operation Al Aqsa Flood” and severe Israeli retribution. The project persisted through it all.
During various discussions with Black and Arab Palestinian leaders, a particular post-exhibition interview took place with a seasoned Black leader and influential member of the Fateh party in Gaza. He delved into the historical roots of the African community there, elaborating on migrations from Africa over the centuries. Some Africans sought refuge in Gaza to escape slavery in other regions, while others passed through on their way to Saudi Arabia during pilgrimages. Additionally, a significant number of African families arrived during Egypt’s military campaign in the 18th century under Muhammed Ali, who aimed to control the Levant. It’s estimated that around 15 percent of Gaza’s population are of Black or Afro-Palestinian descent, a fact not widely known.
Renowned Pan-Africanist filmmaker Haile Gerima requested me to lead an event at his Sankofa store in Washington, D.C., during the Israeli-Gaza conflict. He had invited me to share insights on the topic of African-Palestinian history following a previous engaging talk at their “How to Read” lecture series, aligning with the community’s interest in the subject.
Black and Palestinian Solidarity Amidst Struggle in Gaza
Frantz Fanon once said, “national liberation, national renaissance, the restoration of nationhood to the people, commonwealth: whatever may be the headings used or the new formulas introduced, decolonization is always a violent phenomenon.” The concept of decolonization reverberates strongly, especially in the narratives of the Black community in Gaza, who aspire to establish a Sankofa center of their own.
Reflecting on the intertwined struggles, the recent invitation extended to me resonated deeply. Muhammad, a key figure in the community, emphasized the importance of honoring the Martyrs of the George Jackson exhibit in Gaza. This connection to the exhibit was not merely symbolic; it carried heavy emotional weight due to the ongoing hardships faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The tragic loss of comrades, such as the talented graphic designer Ahmad Ismail and the poet warrior Saleem Al-Naffar, underscored the devastating impact of the violence inflicted by the Israeli forces. The resilience of individuals like Mustafa Al-Naffar, who continued to contribute amid personal tragedy, highlights the unwavering spirit of resistance within the community.
Muhammad’s poignant updates shed light on the plight of Afro-Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing the atrocities faced by Black visitors to the exhibit. The story of the Abu-Breik family, defiantly choosing to remain in their demolished home amidst chaos, exemplifies the relentless struggle for dignity and survival in the face of adversity.
Delving into the history and experiences of Afro-Palestinian families like the Rawagh family unveils a rich tapestry of resilience and resistance within the Gazan cities. Despite the harrowing realities they confront, Afro-Palestinians stand as proud participants in Palestine’s liberation movement, embodying a legacy of steadfastness against oppression.
The visual imagery captured at the exhibit, showcasing Black Palestinians in solidarity, serves as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond formed amidst shared struggles. It beckons a broader call for solidarity within the Black community, echoing the spirit of unity that transcends borders and challenges systemic oppression.
In the intricate web of diaspora experiences, the parallels between the African diaspora and the Palestinian diaspora illuminate a shared history of dispersion and struggle against forces of division. The ethos of internal solidarity within marginalized communities serves as a foundation for broader solidarity efforts, fostering a sense of collective empowerment in the face of adversity.
The narrative of Black and Palestinian solidarity in Gaza mirrors a profound understanding of resilience, resistance, and mutual support in the pursuit of justice and liberation. As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected struggles, the bonds forged through shared experiences serve as beacons of hope and inspiration in the ongoing pursuit of freedom and dignity.
Professor Vévé Clarke of UC Berkeley introduced the concept of “diaspora literacy,” emphasizing the understanding of Black cultural expression transcending modern geopolitical boundaries. This literacy constantly evolves, challenging historical oppressions such as slavery, colonialism, and imperialism. It fosters connections among Black people worldwide, echoing George Jackson’s critique of “neo-slavery.”
Many are now discovering the vibrant Black community in Gaza and its struggle amidst ongoing challenges like genocide. Standing in solidarity with this part of our global Black diaspora is crucial. As we uncover more stories about them, your financial support can make a difference in their daily lives in Gaza – consider donating here:
Greg Thomas, a distinguished Black Studies scholar and educator hailing from Southeast Washington, D.C., has curated exhibitions on George Jackson in Palestine and Kwame Ture in Conakry, Guinea. For inquiries, contact him at [email protected].
