I Am Maroon

The True Story of an American Political Prisoner

By: Russell Shoatz, Kanya D'Almeida

Narrated by: Avery Kidd Waddell, Kanya D'Almeida

In this cinematic memoir, follow one man's journey from gang member to Black liberation leader to political prisoner–and the justice and redemption he fought for along the way.

Inspired by Malcolm X, Russell Shoatz became a lifelong crusader for justice, a soldier in the most militant units of the Black Liberation Army. Shoatz was convicted to life in prison following a coordinated attack on a park police station that left one guard dead.The prison walls, however, could not deter Shoatz’s battle for personal and collective freedom. He escaped state prisons twice, making him a living legend, and endowed him with the moniker “Maroon,” once used to honor runaway slaves from plantations. He survived 22 years in solitary confinement, prompting an international campaign for his freedom.

I Am Maroon charts a life of dizzying intrigue and a long struggle for liberation. With an unforgettable voice, Maroon reminds us that we too are capable of radical change, leaving us a blueprint for how we might dedicate our lives and minds to the ongoing fight for freedom.

History Must Be Learned

The history illustrated how easily the youth, when not guided correctly, can ruin generations. The narrators' voices were clear and engaging. However, the main narrator needs to educate himself on the proper pronunciation of regional words. For example, Maroon's Islamic name is Harun, pronounced like Maroon, not with a short u sound. Graterford is pronounced like the word great, not with a short a sound. There are other instances, but, I will not belabor the point.

Overall, the book was nicely narrated and the story needs to be heard. I highly recommend everyone to read or listen to the book.

Author Karimah G
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Phenomenally written

I must say this book exceeded my expectations! The voice over made me think i was listening to Maroon himself. The content is rich and covered a wide range of events in his life. I particularly enjoyed the quality of the story which was well-researched and insightful. Overall, Maroon Book is a fantastic resource that I highly recommend to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and connect with Maroon’s past.