The poem "Enemy of the Sun" is a powerful piece of poetry that has inspired many individuals and movements over the years. The poem was written by Palestinian poet Samih Al-Qasim in 1971, during a time when the Palestinian Liberation Movement was gaining momentum and fighting for their freedom.
George Jackson, the revolutionary prisoner who had been recently designated Field Marshal of the Black Panther Party, prison guards seized Palestinian resistance poetry from his prison cell in San Quentin, California. Some of this poetry by Samih Al-Qasim, Palestinian resistance poet par excellence, was thought to be written by Jackson and published under his name in the Black Panther newspaper. An uncanny resemblance between the voices of Jackson and Al-Qasim, as well as the conditions of Blacks in North America and Palestinians, made this ‘mis-attribution’ possible. It is thus argued that what might be viewed as a literary ‘mistake’ instead can be viewed as a powerful illustration of kinship in the practice of revolutionary political solidarity. Ultimately, this solidarity would be recalled and renewed in a 2015–16 exhibition featuring George Jackson at the Abu Jihad Center for Prisoner Movement Affairs in Palestine.
The poem reflects on the struggles faced by both the Palestinian and Black communities, and the unity that exists between them in their fight for freedom. The poem speaks to the idea that the oppressors may try to extinguish the sun, but they will never be able to put out the fire of resistance and liberation. It highlights the importance of standing together in the face of adversity and the power of solidarity in the fight against oppression.
The message behind this poem is particularly relevant today, as we see the Black Lives Matter movement and the Palestinian Liberation Movement come together in their shared struggle for freedom. The Future is Color and PaliRoots Collection embodies this message of unity and solidarity, bringing together the Palestinian and Black communities empowering pieces we can all wear. The collection is a message of the resilience and determination of these two communities, and their unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.
In a world where division and hatred are all too common, The Future is Color and PaliRoots Collection is a testament to the power of unity and the potential for change when we stand together. As we continue to fight for justice and equality, let us remember the words of Samih Al-Qasim in his poem "Enemy of the Sun":
It is the return of the sun, Of my exiled ones And for her sake, and his I swear I shall not compromise And to the last pulse in my veins I shall resist. Resist―and resist.
Introducing Two Powerful Pieces, The Free Together Hoodie & Resist Together Long Sleeve
❤️🔥 Free Together Hoodie
Designed in collaboration with Erwin Hines of Future is Color, features a striking design with a panther and dove symbolizing the solidarity between Blacks and Palestinians in their fight for freedom.
What does the panther symbolize?
The Black Panther party adopted the panther as a symbol of their group because of the nature of a panther. The panther doesn't strike anyone, but when he's assailed upon, he'll back up first. But, if the aggressor continues, then he'll strike out. A representation of strength and dignity.
What does the dove symbolize for the Palestinians?
The Palestinians who suffered and are still suffering from the occupation, torture, and arrest; use the dove symbol to convey the meanings of peace, freedom, and future.
10% of proceeds donated to Know Your Rights Camp Org.
❤️🔥 Resist Together Long Sleeve
When we come together to resist injustice, we are fighting not just for our individual freedoms, but for collective freedom. By standing in solidarity with others, we amplify our voices and increase our power to effect change. In collaboration with Erwin Hines, founder of Future Is Color.
10% of proceeds donated to Know Your Rights Camp Org.
👋🏼 Meet Erwin Hines — Creative Director of Future Is Color
A design and research studio owner who is dedicated to using his talents to spark meaningful conversation and change. Through his work with FUTURE IS COLOR®, Erwin understands the power that design holds in shaping people's perceptions of the world and their place in it. His philosophy serves as a constant reminder that we have the power to create spaces that cultivate empathy and bring about positive change. Follow them on Instagram — @future_is_color
“ENEMY OF THE SUN,” BY SAMIH AL-QASIM
I may―if you wish―lose my livelihood I may sell my shirt and bed. I may work as a stone cutter, A street sweeper, a porter. I may clean your stores Or rummage your garbage for food. I may lie down hungry, O enemy of the sun, But I shall not compromise And to the last pulse in my veins I shall resist.
You may take the last strip of my land, Feed my youth to prison cells. You may plunder my heritage. You may burn my books, my poems, Or feed my flesh to the dogs. You may spread a web of terror On the roofs of my village. O enemy of the sun, But I shall not compromise And to the last pulse in my veins I shall resist.
You may put out the light in my eyes You may deprive me of my mother’s kisses. You may curse my father, my people. You may distort my history. You may deprive my children of a smile And of life’s necessities. You may fool my friends with a borrowed face. You may build walls of hatred around me. You may glue my eyes to humiliations, O enemy of the sun, But I shall not compromise And to the last pulse in my veins I shall resist. O enemy of the sun The decorations are raised at the port, The ejaculations fill the air, A glow in the hearts, And in the horizon A sail is seen Challenging the wind And the depths. It is Ulysses Returning home From the sea of loss
It is the return of the sun, Of my exiled ones And for her sake, and his I swear I shall not compromise And to the last pulse in my veins I shall resist. Resist―and resist.
Reference List:
- George Jackson in the Sun of Palestine https://www.ottomanhistorypodcast.com/2018/07/george-jackson-in-sun-of-palestine.html
- More than a Fashion Statement from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/black-panther-party-uniform
- https://sfbayview.com/2015/10/the-response-to-george-jackson-in-the-sun-of-palestine/
- https://electronicintifada.net/content/how-sun-palestine-reached-black-panther-jail/15069