David Gilbert, Political Prisoner

David Gilbert, a longtime anti-racist and anti-imperialist, first became active in the Civil Rights movement in 1961. In 1965, he started the Vietnam Committee at Columbia University; in 1967 he co-authored the first Students for a Democratic Society pamphlet naming the system “imperialism”; and he was active in the Columbia strike of 1968. He went on to spend a total of 10 years underground, building a clandestine resistance.

David has been imprisoned in New York State since 10/20/81, when a unit of the Black Liberation Army along with allied white revolutionaries tried to get funds for the struggle by robbing a Brinks truck. This tragically resulted in a shoot-out in which a Brinks guard and two police officers were killed. David is serving a sentence of 75 years (minimum) to life under New York State’s “felony murder” law, whereby all participants in a robbery, even if they are unarmed and non-shooters, are equally responsible for all deaths that occur.

While in prison, David has been actively involved in the struggle against AIDS, and has remained a staunch opponent of oppression still dedicated to human liberation. He is also a longtime advisor and collaborator in the annual Certain Days Free Political Prisoners Calendar project, and the author of two books, and several pamphlets.

David’s most recent book is entitled Love and Struggle: My Life in SDS, the Weather Underground, and Beyond. Released by PM Press in 2012, it was greeted by very positive reviews from both the movement and mainstream press. Videos of book launches, and reviews from progressive publications, can be viewed below.

In August 2021, David was granted clemency by the outgoing governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, which will allow him to go before a parole board after 40 years in prison. We are filled with hope and joy that David is one step closer to finally getting outside the prison walls!

Until then, David is currently help captive at Shawangunk Correctional Facility in New York state:

David Gilbert #83A6158
#83A6158 -Shawangunk Correctional Facility
P.O. Box 700
Wallkill, NY 12589-0700
United States

 

---

Love and Struggle

 

The official book trailer!

 

Ashanti Alston, former political prisoner
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Dan Berger, Decarcerate PA
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Sarah Small, Decarcerate PA
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

Letter from Laura Whitehorn, former political prisoner
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Joshua Glenn, Youth Art and Self-Empowerment Project
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Emily Abendroth, Decarcerate PA
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Letter from Saleem Holbrook, currently incarcerated in PA
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Hakim Ali, Reconstruction, Inc.
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Theresa Shoatz, Human Rights Coalition
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Inez Ramos, National Boricua Human Rights Network
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Kazembe Balagun, Brecht Forum
@ Philly launch, April 13, 2012, at Goldilocks Gallery

 

Naomi Jaffe introduces the event “Weather Underground Meets Occupy Wall Street” on March 3, 2012 at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY.

 

Victorio Reyes reads a selection from “Love and Struggle” during the event “Weather Underground Meets Occupy Wall Street” on March 3, 2012 at The Sanctuary for Independent Media in Troy, NY.

 

Panel at Brecht Forum discussing Love and Struggle; Kazembe Balagoon (standing; facilitator), Kenyon Farrow, Monifa Bandele, Terry Bisson, Alan Grieg, Aazam Otero, Matt Meyer.

 

Other Books and Pamphlets by David Gilbert

      In June 2004, David’s book No Surrender was published by Abraham Guillen Press. This is an important book for radicals to read and discuss. The following are reviews of No Surrender available online on this site:            AIDS conspiracy Theories: Tracking the Real Genocide, by David Gilbert with commentary. An important investigation into the racist and reactionary underpinnings of many conspiracy theories about AIDS. Reviewed in: