Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | March 30, 1947 Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.
|
| Occupation |
|
|
Notable work
|
Anarchism and the Black Revolution |
| Political party | Black Panther Party |
| Movement |
|
| Spouse(s) | JoNina Abron-Ervin |
| Military Career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
U.S. Army |
Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin (born March 30, 1947) is an American writer and activist. He is known for his work as a black anarchist. He used to be a member of the Black Panther Party. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now lives in Memphis, Tennessee.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Fighting for Civil Rights
When Lorenzo Ervin was 12 years old, he joined a youth group called the NAACP. This group worked to end unfair treatment based on race. He took part in sit-in protests. These protests helped stop racial segregation in Chattanooga. Segregation meant that Black and white people were kept separate.
Joining Important Movements
Ervin was part of the army for two years. During this time, he became active against the Vietnam War. In 1967, he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. This group worked for civil rights. Soon after, he also joined the Black Panther Party. The Black Panther Party was a group that fought for the rights of Black people.
Time in Prison and Learning Anarchism
Life in Prison
In 1969, Ervin traveled to Cuba and then Czechoslovakia. He was later sent back to the U.S. and arrested. He was charged with flying a plane without permission. He was sent to prison for a long time. He was the first person to get a life sentence for this kind of charge in the U.S.
Discovering New Ideas
While in prison, Ervin learned about anarchism. Anarchism is a political idea that believes in organizing society without a government. He read many books about it. A group called the Anarchist Black Cross helped him. This group supports political prisoners.
Writing His Best-Known Work
While in prison, Ervin wrote several pamphlets. He also wrote a book called Anarchism and the Black Revolution. This book has been printed many times. It is considered his most famous work. After 15 years, Ervin was released from prison. This happened because of legal efforts and support from people around the world.
Activism After Prison
Working for Justice in Chattanooga
After he was released, Ervin went back to Chattanooga. He joined a group called Concerned Citizens for Justice. This group worked to stop police brutality. They also fought against groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
In 1987, Ervin helped with a big lawsuit. This lawsuit changed how the Chattanooga government worked. It led to several Black people being elected to the city council.
Protesting for Rights
On April 26, 2008, Ervin and his wife, JoNina Abron-Ervin, led a march. They protested the deaths of young people in youth centers. They also protested the deaths of prisoners in a detention center.
On June 12, 2012, Ervin and other Black activists held a meeting. They created the Memphis Black Autonomy Federation. This group works to fight problems like high unemployment and poverty in African American communities. They also fight against police brutality. They work to end the mass imprisonment of Black people. They believe this is unfair and linked to the War on Drugs.
Australian Visit and Challenges
A Trip Down Under
In July 1997, Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin was invited to visit Australia. He was asked by an anarchist group there. Some people in Australia were not happy about his visit. They thought he was a dangerous person.
The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, was surprised Ervin was allowed into the country. Immigration officials started an investigation. They stopped Ervin in Brisbane and canceled his visa. A visa is a special permission to enter a country. They said he was not of good character. Ervin disagreed with this.
Fighting for His Rights
Ervin had visited 20 countries since leaving prison in 1983. His Australian visa was given through an online system. Ervin's case went to the highest court in Australia. The Chief Justice, Sir Gerard Brennan, said Ervin's visa should be given back. He ordered Ervin's release from prison. He said Ervin was not treated fairly.
The Australian government agreed to pay Ervin's legal costs. Ervin said the Prime Minister should apologize to him.
Global Support
Many people around the world protested Ervin's detainment. They picketed Australian embassies in many countries. These included South Africa, Greece, Italy, Sweden, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and the US.
After four days in prison, Ervin was released. He attended a celebration for Indigenous Australians. He gave a short speech. He continued his speaking tour. Immigration officials continued to ask him questions.
Leaving Australia
Ervin left Australia on July 24, 1997. He said immigration officials threatened to deport him if he stayed longer. After this, Australia made its visa checks stricter. They wanted to be more careful about who they let into the country.
See also
In Spanish: Lorenzo Kom'boa Ervin para niños
