Eulogy for SafiyaYuri Kochiyama In this month of Black August when many Black warriors have died – like George and Jonathon Jackson – and Black trailblazers like Marcus Garvey were born, and nine MOVE members were convicted and imprisoned 25 years ago; this Black August of 2003 has just undergone another bereavement in the sudden transition of one of the most principled and respected Black sheroes in the passing of Safiya Bukhari. Safiya, who became a Black Panther in the 60s, a political prisoner in the 70s, a Jericho organizer in the 80s, and a citizen and official in the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Africa (RNA), has played a major role in the ever-challenging history of the Black struggle in America. Safiya will be missed, but her fighting spirit, her principled stance, her unstoppable dedication, and her revolutionary internationalist practice will continue to influence the different relevant struggles in Black, White, and blended America. She would agree with Malcolm X, quoted in 1964, that he believed "there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those doing the oppressing; a clash between those who want freedom, justice and quality for everyone, and those who want to continue the system of exploitation. I believe there will be such a clash, but I don't think it will be based on the color of the skin." Safiya, you will always be part of the world-wide struggle for self-determination, human dignity, and basic needs for all. Thank you for your endless contributions. Your final project was organizing support for the trial of former Panther and BLA member, Kamau Sadiki (aka Freddie Hilton), whose trial [will begin soon]. Thank you, Safiya, for your unpretentious demeanor, your endless dedication, your genuine camaraderie, and your excellent leadership. Long live the struggle against the mutual enemy!
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