The war before: the true life story of becoming a Black Panther, keeping the faith in prison, and fighting for those left behind

Traces Bukhari's lifelong commitment as an advocate for the rights of the oppressed.

Following her journey from middle-class student to Black Panther to political prisoner, these writings provide an intimate view of a woman wrestling with the issues of her time - the troubled legacy of the Panthers, misogyny in the movement, her decision to convert to Islam, the incarceration of outspoken radicals and the families left behind.

Her account unfolds with immediacy and passion, showing how the struggle for social justice has paved the way for progress.