George Jackson (Black Panther) - in Popular Culture

In Popular Culture

Many notable artists and entertainers have dedicated their work to Jackson's memory or created works based on his life. A non-album single was released by Bob Dylan titled "George Jackson" about the life and death of Jackson. The song made the American charts peaking at #33 in January 1972. Ja Rule named his 2003 album after Jackson's book, Blood In My Eye.

Jackson's life, beliefs and ultimate fate were the topic of one of the many audio tapes recorded at the Jonestown commune in Guyana during 1978. In the tape in question, commune leader Jim Jones furiously berates one of his followers for suggesting that he, the follower, wants to follow Jackson's example as regards active resistance to racism and oppression. Jones' tirade, remarkable in its' profanity and ferocity even for Jones, touches on several issues relating to Jackson, most notably Jones' firm belief that Jackson's death was a racist assassination. Jones' admiration for the Black Panther activist on the tape is as clear as his disgust that the follower could think he was remotely in the same league as Jackson. Indeed, Jones states at least twice during the 45 minute recording that "people like killed George Jackson."

Stanley Williams dedicated his 1998 book Life in Prison, in part, to George Jackson. In Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's response to Williams' appeal for clemency, the governor claimed that this dedication was "a significant indicator that Williams is not reformed and that he still sees violence and lawlessness as a legitimate means to address societal problems."

The 2007 film Black August is a retelling of the last fourteen months of Jackson's life.

The Blue Scholars released a song titled George Jackson in their latest album Cinemetropolis.

Amy Hempel's short story "The Harvest" mentions the Marin County Prison incident and three injured guards from the prison are treated at Marin General, where the protagonist is staying.

Sections of Jackson's letters are also included in the work "X" from "An Atlas of the Difficult World" of poet Adrienne Rich.

British reggae band Steel Pulse included two songs about George Jackson in their 2004 album African Holocaust. George Jackson, and Uncle George, which was previously released on Tribute to The Martyrs.