Frankye Adams-Johnson Black Panther Party Collection
Title
Frankye Adams-Johnson Black Panther Party Collection
Date Modified
2025-12-12
Description
Frankye Adams-Johnson is a former English Professor at Jackson State University and former active member of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in New York City, where she served as an officer in the New York State Chapter. This collection, created or collected during her involvement in the Black Panther Party, consists of personal journal notebooks, correspondence, newspaper articles, fliers, meeting documents and her collection of political and movement buttons.
Curated By
Garrad Lee
Contributing Institution
Jackson State University
About This Record
The HCAC public history focused digital archive cataloging is an ongoing process, and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. We welcome your comments and feedback if you have more information to share about an item featured on the site, please contact us at: HCAC-DigiTeam@si.edu
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She writes about her mental health and asks about his physical health.
A birthday card from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She makes note of his strong will to survive and fight against oppression. The card is dated February 28th with no year specified.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She expresses her desire for a normal family life and writes about her mental health in the face of this test to their relationship.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She expresses her deep love for him and her resentment at the police for not allowing them to be together. She also writes about her faith.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She writes about the grief and pain they are feeling and she warns of their oppressors and their plans.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She writes about her feelings and the effects their meetings at the prison are having on her.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She expresses her gratitude to him and his family for the love, support, and kindness they show her and updates him on her travel to Mississippi.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She is apologizing to him for being too busy to visit him and acknowledges a change in their relationship.
A letter from Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to her husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to prison in 1975 for a 1971 Black Liberation Army (BLA) connected shooting of police officers in New York. She writes about their marriage and how much each of them has grown during their time apart. Letter is dated “Sunday the 15th.”
Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) writes to her imprisoned husband, Nuh Abdul Qaiyum. She writes about her loneliness, her upcoming trial, their family, and love. She mentions her growth away from fear, and the different legal battles she is fighting. The letter is dated November 21st and 23rd with no year specified.
Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) writes to a fellow Black woman who is a member of the Black Panther Party. She discusses Zala's selfish behavior surrounding the recent sentencing of herself as well as the sentencing of Zala’s husband and its impact on everyone. She tells her that they must stay aware of their true enemy, and that is neither of them.
Geiyo, an imprisoned Black Panther Party member, updates Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) of his movement throughout the prison, saying he just arrived at his new location and received his belongings. He writes about his feelings surrounding the upcoming verdict of his trial and expresses his deep love for her for being the woman that she is.
Gunnie James Haskins, a Black Liberation Army (BLA) member who was imprisoned for a robbery to raise money for the BLA, is writing to update Nuh Abdul Qaiyum of his current condition and the treatment of the other prisoners. He tells him of their court proceedings and gives his idea for a collaborative book about the BLA.
Gunnie James Haskins, a Black Liberation Army (BLA) member who was imprisoned for a robbery to raise money for the BLA, is writing to update Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to express happiness in the fact that their book is becoming a reality and the revolution is still happening in different ways.
Harold Simmons (Hodari Diallo), a Black Liberation Army (BLA) member who was imprisoned for a robbery to raise money for the BLA, writes to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to tell him he was sentenced to 25 years and is currently in segregated lockup, still being harassed by the police. He explores corruption in the community before mentioning an essay he read.
Harold Simmons (Hodari Diallo), a Black Liberation Army (BLA) member who was imprisoned for a robbery to raise money for the BLA, writes to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum. He copies an article detailing his and two other members' court proceedings. He explains their mission was to disrupt the court system, and believes they achieved a victory for the people.
Hasan Sababa is writing to introduce himself as a fellow revolutionary. He makes himself and his revolutionary brothers available to her at their full disposal. He writes that he does not know the details of her case, so can’t speak on it, but does give his viewpoint of the American court system, telling her not to expect justice.
Helen writes her friend Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) to ask about some pictures she received from her asking if she wants them back. She also mentions that she will be traveling to Connecticut soon and will need to be shown around town. She signs the letter “The Elder Nzigha.”
Huey G. is writing this letter to keep Maureen Glaser updated on his schoolwork and his performance in his classes. He says that nothing will hold him back from his education and that he will be taking summer classes to make up work he missed in a class.
Written on Middlesex County Workhouse letterhead, where Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur) was being held in connection with a 1973 police shooting. She writes to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum that she heard about his marriage and wrote a love poem for them. She thanks him for his book suggestions and writes about the other prisoners attitudes’ toward books.
Written on Middlesex County Workhouse letterhead, where Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur) was being held in connection with a 1973 police shooting. She writes to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum in response to his letters and to catch up. She notes that she is hesitant toward religion, but believes Islam teaches the mental processes needed for revolution.
Joyce tells Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) about the wonderful experience she is having in Jamaica. She mentions their deep bond and shared divine mission of being novelists, and she tells Frankye Adams-Johnson that she is on the right path.
Juliet Greene is writing to keep Frankye Adams-Johnson updated of her travel to the United States after not hearing from her in a while. She thanks her for a poem and tells her of her skill in writing stories, and with their skills combined, they could make some money.
Juliet Greene is updating Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika) on the current weather and school operations back in Jamaica after having a wonderful experience together. She also mentions that she will be in the U.S. soon to continue her education.
Kuwasi Balagoon (aka Donald Weems) was a Black Liberation Army Member (BLA) who was imprisoned in 1969. He writes to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum to detail the conscious change that the revolutionaries and prisoners need to undergo. He believes there are too many contradicting messages and they must maintain an organizational structure and single message.
Frankye Adams-Johnson (Malika)’s friend Ladun Adaramola writes to apologize for not visiting the last time she and her family were in New York and that she hopes to see her soon.
A letter to Nuh Abdul Qaiyum from Martha Pitts wishing him a happy birthday while he is in prison. The letter contains birthday messages from others as well, including Assata Shakur (Joanne Chesimard) and Sundiata Acoli. Both of those birthday wishes were relayed through Martha Pitts, who was a friend and confidant to each of them.
A letter from imprisoned Black Panther Party member Nuh Abdul Qaiyum on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Black Panther Party in 1986. He writes about the Black Panther Party, its impact, and its legacy. He explains the void that the Party left in the community after its end due to having no political power.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to an unnamed fellow revolutionary. He notifies the recipient that he is ready to move whenever he is called. He also explains the many internal battles that he faces, his efforts in the community to gain control, and his upcoming legal proceedings.
A letter from Nuh Abdul Qaiyum, who is imprisoned, to an unknown recipient. He gives an outline on how to organize the Black Panther Party members into organized units and working committees, based on the purpose the members serve, how these committees should interact with one another, and how leadership can create comradery in the members.
