I Am Maroon: The True Story of an American Political Prisoner

by Russell Shoatz, Kanya D'Almeida (primary_contributor)

A cinematic memoir of justice and redemption that traces a former Black Panther’s tumultuous life from gang member to Black liberation leader to prisoner.   Russell Shoatz was a gang member from age 11, battling for territory and dignity amid the white flight of 1950s Philadelphia.  But at 23, after hearing Malcolm X speak on a street corner in Harlem, his life changed course. Shoatz  would become a lifelong crusader for justice, a soldier in the most militant units of the Black Liberation Army, a Black Panther fighting the notorious Frank Rizzo and his Blue Guards. The fight turned increasingly violent, and as one of the “Philly Five,” Shoatz was convicted to life in prison after a coordinated attack on a police station, which left one officer dead.   The prison walls, however, could not deter Shoatz’s battle for personal and collective freedom. He escaped maximum security facilities twice, making him a living legend, endowed with the moniker “Maroon,” once used to honor runaways from plantations. He survived 22 years in solitary confinement, prompting an international campaign for his freedom. And he radicalized his prison communities, working to resolve racial tensions, and collectively organize against mistreatment by guards.   In October 2021, after 49 years in prison, Maroon was released into hospice care, reuniting briefly with his children before he passed away. But for nine years before his death, he worked furiously with Sri Lankan writer Kanya D’Almeida, who he recognized as a comrade despite their vastly different backgrounds, to record his life’s work in print. I Am Maroon charts a life of dizzying intrigue, a real-life Shawshank Redemption, set  during the height of the struggle for Black liberation. With an unforgettable voice and a personality that comes off the page, Maroon reminds us that we too are capable of radical change, and leaves us a blueprint for how we might dedicate our lives and minds to the ongoing fight for freedom.       

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Audiobook, Social Justice, Biography Memoir

400 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Anna Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Am Maroon was an exciting and educational read for me. Learning about the Black Liberation Movement, the Black Panthers, and other revolutionary groups was fascinating, and Maroon’s prison escape attempts, both the wild successes and near misses, kept me hooked. The shifting timelines were a bit confusing at times, but the story was so compelling that it didn’t take away from the experience. It’s both thrilling and deeply educational, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, activism, the US prison system, or just an incredible true story of resilience.

[Melanie McArthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I wasn’t too sure about this book - but once I started reading, I was spellbound. Maroon is an extraordinary individual & I feel grateful to have been gifted this book. I learnt so much & it inspired me to learn so much more.

[eliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fucking incredible

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Russell Melvin Shoatz II was a gang member in Philly starting at age 11. At 23 years old, his life changed after hearing Malcolm X speak. He became a soldier in the most militant unit of the Black Liberation Army and a community organizer. Shoatz was convicted to life in prison following a coordinated attack on the Philadelphia Fairmount Park Guard Station.

But if the government—under its watchful eye of the Black Panthers and Black militant groups—thought it could keep Shoatz caged, then they fucked around and found out. He escaped state prisons twice, making him a living legend. Hence the nickname "Maroon," once used to honor runaway slaves. He meticulously planned, succeeded and never gave up the fight for freedom. He was a prisoner for 47+ years, spending 22 of those years in the Hole (solitary confinement) which prompted an international campaign for his freedom.

I won't spoil this true story. You just have to read it yourself when you're in the right mind space. It will take you on an emotional ride while reading. I felt sympathy, empathy, anger, vengeance and hope all within its 350 pages.

I Am Maroon reads like an action movie! I was all in, hanging on the edge of my reading chair or sitting up in bed, holding my breath. This was especially true during the retelling of his escapes or planning. In one particular section, I felt like I was standing right next to him in the cold contemplating the next best step literally. If Shoatz's words were this profound, imagine how intense and captivating his conversations were. The thought brings chills.

Bookhearts, I recommend this memoir! It is not your ordinary story of a Black Panther as I assumed upon downloading the advance copy. It is the true uncensored story of a political prisoner, the system and survival of the mind. Shoatz's story of justice and redemption is worth reading.

Happy Early Pub Day, Russell Shoatz! I Am Maroon will be available Tuesday, September 3.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

not sure what I needed to boost this to a 5 but I also can't pinpoint why I can't give it that last .5

incredible story that reads like a movie and some of Shoatz's life was absolutely unbelievable

wasn't expecting him to reflect on how much of a role women influenced him at the end and it was interesting to see all the intersectionality between so many different prejudices and identities

[Mahari (Coopedupwithabook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Eye-opening, intriguing, and thrilling. The story of Russel Shoatz aka Maroon is one that I will forever cherish and remember. I wish I could have met him and thanked him for fighting for our freedom and respect.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rest in power, Maroon.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn but a rewarding read.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good memoir of a life spent in activism.