Geronimo Ji Jaga aka: Geronimo Ji Jaga Pratt Born: Elmer Pratt | |
|---|---|
| File:Geronimojijaga.jpg | |
| Born | September 13, 1947 |
| Died | June 2, 2011 (aged 63) |
| Cause of death | Heart attack |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Geronimo ji-Jaga Pratt, Elmer Pratt |
| Citizenship | Tanzania |
| Education | UCLA |
| Occupation | High ranking member of the Black Panther Party |
| Known for | spending 27 years in prison |
| Political party | Black Panther Party |
| Movement | Black liberation |
| Criminal charge | Murder |
| Criminal penalty | 27 years in prison |
| Criminal status | Released (conviction vacated) |
Geronimo Ji Jaga (September 13, 1947 – June 2, 2011), also known as Geronimo ji-Jaga Pratt born: Elmer Pratt, was a high ranking member of the Black Panther Party. The Federal Bureau of Investigation targeted him in a COINTELPRO operation, which aimed to "neutralize Pratt as an effective BPP functionary."[1] Pratt was falsely accused, tried and convicted of the kidnap and murder of Caroline Olsen in 1972, and spent 27 years in prison, eight of which were in solitary confinement. Pratt was freed in 1997 when his conviction was vacated. He was working as a human rights activist up until the time of his death. Pratt was also the godfather of the late rapper Tupac Shakur and Ri'Chana Cleary.[2] He died of a heart attack in his adopted country, Tanzania, on June 3, 2011.[3]
notes
- ↑ LA 157-3436, the partially redacted COINTELPRO file on Geronimo Pratt
- ↑ Interview with Geronimo Pratt
- ↑ Death of Elmer "Geronomo" Pratt
