Veronza Bowers Jr.
This portrait is dedicated to Veronza Bowers Jr.. Mr. Bowers is an inmate at the Federal Medical Center in Butner, NC. He is a former member of the Black Panther Party incarcerated in federal prison for over 46 years, making him one of the longest held inmates in U.S. history.
In 1973, Veronza was convicted in the murder of a U.S. Park Ranger on the word of two government informers, both of whom received reduced sentences for other crimes by the Federal prosecutors office. The informants had all charges against them in this case dropped and one was given $10,000 by the government according to the prosecutors post-sentencing report. Despite letters of support from prominent attorneys, former high-ranking representatives of regional commissions, prison officials and a member of the U.S. Congress, Veronza has continually been denied release due to intervention by the U.S. Parole Commission.
Meaning of the painting
The black panther (left corner) has a look of concern, I imagine this to be the feeling Mr. Bowers had from seeing injustices in his community and his desire to find a way to improve and protect his community. Under the panther are images of black panther members physically manifested as that organized force of protection.
On the right side is the Ethiopian/Rastafarian flag with the lion of Judah. The lion is covering the head of Veronza's daughter as a sign of royalty and protection. The X in the background represents his respect for el hajj Malik el Shabazz . The faded white at the bottom represents the continuation of his story. His fight for freedom continues, his fight to see the improvement of other inmates, and the healing work he practices continues.
Below is a 57 minutes interview in 2005 where Veronza talks about his life, his purpose and his fight to be released from prison. To learn more about Veronza and how you can help click here
