Dedicated to: Carl Hampton
July 31, 1970
My heart makes my body stronger for I came to Houston in search of a job. While on the
road, I just happened to walk down Dowling Street. Out of curiosity, I walked into this
office on Dowling Street. Within were young black men seated and tending to the
business of the day. I informed them that I had been walking all over town looking for a
job.
So, he another guy and I talked about many issues: jobs, who would help me to find a
good job? What employment agency was real about job placement? Where I could find
immediate work until I can find a good job? Who would employ me? But more so about
the black and white "thing" in America today.
For that seemed to be the topic everyone talked about. After we talked and everyone
seemed to be satisfied with what was said, he got up and offered me a cold drink or
something.
He did not have enough money to pay for both of us a cold drink, he still insisted on
paying for mine. But he offered!
Two weeks later, my friend and brother "Carl Bernard Hampton" was dead.
He died, from the gunshots of a cop that wanted to be a hero in the eyes of his wife and
his peers. He was nothing but another stinking, no good dog in my eyesight. GOD shall
be angry with him; he will be tormented for the remainder of his life, if he is proud of
what he has done.
However, on second thought, he may have been one of those eager cops, you know,
(Shoot first and lie later). This will surely impress his wife and definitely his peers.
But please tell me who this cop was? Was he shooting a man or a thing he viewed as
wild: you know a black panther He murdered a man-child at the age of twenty-one.... He
should be fired from the HPD. He should be tried for first-degree murder.
If not then, let him be. For he has to be a madman or something, because he acted a
though he was.
So, I close because I have to keep on living Carl. GOD knew and knows what you stood
for. In the tender years of your youth, it does seem that you had to die to show the people
that we must start communicating. We must start helping one another.
Carl, I have to go about my business...
Carl, you died to prevent anyone else from dying in the community.
Carl, you died because your heart was true.
Carl, they shot your heart out because of your profound heartfelt love for the people.
Carl, I have to leave you for now, because I have to do something in your behalf.
Carl, why didn't you listen to me?
Why, why did you not listen, Carl?
Maybe, you had to die for what you stood for...
You were a very intelligent man, devoted to the people...
You should have been talking to a young lady, or rather a young woman...
You should have been playing your music...
Carl, I have been trying to close this letter with tears in my eyes, for I love you so...
Good night, Carl...
May GOD be with you wherever your mind/spirit takes you?
Goodbye, Carl
Although you may not know my name, but you know my face...So shall my face be
true...
Your 30-minute friend and brother...
