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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (May 25, 1973)
Guitar playing Muslim Abdulah killed in argument Abdulah is dead. The big shiny black man on the EMU terrace who wore a turban and flowing robes, played a battered Martin D-18 and had a voice that went from cold jack hammer to fine silk-dust. Remember? The guy who would give his songs away and then put down his guitar to deliver those fanatically brilliant lectures on . Islam. He’s dead. Abdulah, who moved from his house on Onyx St. to a commune in Southern Oregon sometime in March, died from a single shotgun blast on May 7 after a confrontation with one of his neighbors. Abdulah Zadjd, 32, also known as Joseph McClean, apparently traded in his guitar for a gun and took his Moslem beliefs to the people of a small commune town near California called Takilma. Michael Rogers, the 30 year old man who shot Abdulah, has been cleared by a grand jury of murder charges and the killing was found to be justifiable. Robert Burrows, district at torney for Josephine County, conducted an investigation of the killing. The events that he reported were detailed in the Grants Pass Daily Courier. Burrows says that Michael Rogers, or Black Michael as he is known to residents, had befriended Abdulah and the other Moslems who arrived in Takilma a few months ago. But their friendship deteriorated, ac cording to Burrow as Abdulah tried to convert Rogers to Islam with “emotional tirades and actual insults.” It is reported that on the day before the killing Abdulah came by Rogers’ commune—The Little Funky Egg Company—and saw Rogers’ lady working in the garden, naked to her waist. Abdulah became upset (Moslem women must remain covered from the mouth down), knocked her down and beat her with a stick. Burrows says that Rogers, upon returning to the commune and learning of the incident, went out looking for Abdulah. When he found him along Takilma Rd. Abdulah handed him a loaded rifle and told Rogers to shoot him if he had done wrong. According to Burrows the rifle was put aside but later that evening Abdulah challenged Rogers to a duel, to take place on the following day. The grand jury found that Abdulah arrived at the Little Funky Egg Company at about 3 p.m. on Monday, May 7, armed with a .38 caliber revolver and a rifle. According to Burrows, Rogers was in the process of packing up his stuff to move from the area. When told there was no need for weapons, Abdulah cocked his rifle and laid it on the trunk of a car behind him. There were at least 6 people gathered around. Abdulah then proceeded to give what Burrows interprets as a “psychotic tirade,” calling the people of the commune op pressors “honkies” and “crackers.” According to Burrows, Abdulah was ar bitrarily pointing his revolver as his emotion gathered momen tum. Burrows says that Abdulah then threatened Rogers with, “I’m going to kill you, you back door nigger.” Abdulah then turned quickly, presumably towards the cocked rifle. Rogers, who had been holding a .20 gauge shotgun during the confrontation, shot Abdulah in the back. He died at approximately 5 p.m. in the back of an ambulance. Few things are known about Abdul ah. What brought him to embrace his ideas so passionately? What places had he been before Oregon? Was he serious about all those things he said? One of the few things he was careful about in conversations was not to deal too much with the past. He felt he had something important to say about now, that had to be said now. Though in his stories there were glimpses: Born in New York City, parents who died when he was young, raised on ghetto streets, a third grade education, reform school, prison and a New York State mental hospital—all because, as he put it: “I refused to take abuse.” In an interview this fall with George Buddy of the Emerald, Abdulah briefly sketched his musical evolution: A Greenwich Village scene around the time when Dylan was making it; traveling around the country playing and singing Motown recording contracts, a little money and broken promises; gigs with Joy of Cooking, Van Morrison and others and more travelling around and playing until he reached a stage of disillusionment with the music industry and he started playing his songs for free to anyone who’d listen. ms me aiso muveu uiruugu different levels of struggle as a black man. From a civil-rights activist in Georgia to a rioter iii Watts, conversion to the Black Moslems in prison and a final conversion to orthodox Islam (a religion that affirms the equality of all men). On the EMU terrace Abdul ah would scream out a mixture of his personal and Moslem beliefs. Hate me, curse me, love me, kill me, his body and voice would cry. “But man, don’t just sit there.” He would point to the chiseled Latin words on the buildings around campus and ask if the students were thinking about “brotherhood, unity or freedom?” Abdulah was con vinced that everyone was guilty of oppression either succumbing to or enforcing it. And he acted as though he were the only one who knew. He’d take his big guitar calloused hand up next to some EMU coffee-drinker’s head and say: “I’m going to hit you, man! What are you going to do?” Most people answered with, “I don’t know.” “Man, you’d run away, or cry or hit me back or block it. But don’t tell me you don’t know,” Abdulah would tell them. Eugene didn’t know. Eugene didn’t really care. Eugene, and especially the University, has people and things like Krishnas, chanting Buddhists, Jesus Freaks, Fred Loveys, half-naked girls and weird music craning out of its ears. Eugene was like an incubetor for Abdulah. He came up inr some supplies on a rainy April day with his knapsack and rifle and played some harmonica inside the EMU. He talked some of his same old stuff and also °xplained his move: “I’ve had enough of you-all. I’m sick of trying. The world’s going to end soon and I’m going back into the woods to stay.” Abdulah was buried by his Moslem brothers in the Granite Hill Cemetery in Grants Pass on Wednesday, May 9. He left behind a widow, Myriam; two children, Kael LaBrock and Jamilla McClean; and a silence that screams “something’s gone.” 1 CLASSIFIEDS I Deadline: Place In 301 Allen, Emerald Office, or at the EMU Main Desk by 2:00 p.m. one working day preceding publication. Classified Rates 8c per word the first day, 6c per word for each consecutive insertion. Ten word minimum charge. All ads must be paid for in advance. (Emerald policy is not to give refunds upon cancellation. Adlustment will be considered only if the Emerald Is notified within 5 days of error.) 1 FOR SALE ) FOR SALE SONY AM-FM receiver $130. Model STR-6030 12 watts-channeIRMS. ten months old. New cost S190. Cali 343-0800 after 4 p.m. .11927:30 BIKINIS: BESIDES OFFERING our regular selection, we now have a bra-top for those of you who need special support and coverage We also have a new bikini shorts bottom. ANDREA'S 1034 Willamette 343-4423 7248:31 MINI REFRIGERATOR, dorm size; perfect condition; still under warranty. $75 or best offer. Available June 1. Paul Gross 343-9271. ___11930:25 SPECIAL THIS WEEK AT WEATHER BERRY FARM: a room full of home-sewn clothes and new cotton print fabrics. 7250:25 42" HIGH CANOPY. Fits long wide box, builtins, propane stove, icebox, bed, S325. 345-2690 evenings. 11947:25 E-FLAT SOPRANO CLARINET. Wood, good condition. Call Terry at 345-6059 13051 :tfn RAICHLE "PALU" MEDIUM climbing and hiking boots Perfect condition. Size 9V? narrow. Paid $45, will sell for $30 343-4185 days or 343-0916 evenings 14518:tfn ARIA CLASSICAL GUITAR. 6 months old $50, call Chris, 342-4704 11956:25 FENDER PRINCETON AMPLIFIER. 1966 GTO automatic, power, tuned. Anna 687 9273 _ 11670.25 new MtKtu EQUIPMENT—buy direct from wholesaler—save up to SO per cent. Pioneer, Marantz, Dual, etc. 345 2640 after 4 P-th__7018 :tfn STEREO EQUIPMENT: FOUR Kenwood KA 7,000 100 watt stereo amplifiers, brand new, were $320, now S275 each, used Ampex 850 tape deck *100; two used Ampex 861 recordersS125each: used Sansui 3,000 stereo S175; used Pioneer SX 1,000 TW stereo receiver $150; Two used AR 4X speakers $75 pair. OREGON TYPEWRITER AND RECORDER.30 E 11th.342 2463 7231:25 STEREO PANASONIC tape deck $49. double bed. $10. bureau $5 . 343-0575. -—--,11822,01 PICTURE FRAMES. Ready made, com plete selection of sizes. Moldings for sale, mats, odd size bargains. FREE miter ser vice on most moldings. MIDGLEYS MILLWORK & GLASS. 4th 8 High. 343 1131. 66Sl:tfn PLASTICS. Large selection of plastic sheets, rods, tubes. Plexiglass, acryllte, styrene, acetates, mylar. Many colors 8. patterns. Accessories, cements, applicators, etc. MIDGLEYS MILLWORK * GLASS 4th & High, 343-1131.6940 :tfn USED BOOKS FOR SALE: "The Dangerous Sex," "Marriage," "Sex and Tern perament," "Male and Female," "Nomads of South Persia." Call Randy at 342 7417. 14S22:tfn FREE RIDES ON CITY bus when you buy tokens at EMU Main Desk. Four free with purchase of $9.00 roll. ($10 regular.) 11991:25 PORTABLE ROYAL typewriter Good condition, $20 or offer. Neat swivel rocker, $20, 343-7373 evenings. 11804:30 ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER. Smith-Corona portable, very good condition, $120 or make offer. Mary, 686-6544 or 686-5332. 11809:30 YAMAHA F6-180 GUITAR. Year old, new hard case, $150 Brian 345-9600 11951:06 FANTASTIC HOME NEAR CAMPUS and Laurelwood. Designed by leading architect and built to last for generations tor physician who spared no costs. Top plumbing and electrical systems. (Outside floods con trolled from bedroom.) Low cost hotwater heat through floor, dramatic living room with high celling, fireplace, forty feet of glass wall; secluded, shady yard and patio. Expensive planting, sprinkler system, four bedrooms, four half baths, ceramic tile, hardwood floors, 365 built-ins. twenty years old. 3.000 square feet, huge duplex lot, $40,000 until redecorated. Could be financed for $4,000 down, approximately $360 month. Phyllis Kerns. 344-4160. __ 11833:25 $ONY HP-S10A with Dual turntable plus Sony TC-252D tape deck. Warranty, im maculate condition, $375 or best offer. 746 9540. 11837:01 REFRIGERATOR, FULL SIZED $25, Range, four burner, 40" top, $25; Available early June 2232-13 Patterson. 11848:31 GUITAR AMPLIFIER. EXCELLENT. Four inputs. Reverb, tremelo. $100, otters. 686 2974. __11847:25 LYLE 690-IL GUITAR and case $90. Sears Kenmore sewing machine hardly used, straight, zigzag, decorative stitches, $85. Call 344 5594. 11849:30 1 CLASSIFIEDS i FOR SALE ) MUST SELL: Yamaha acoustic guitar, never used Best offer, call Tom Fo 345-96)0. 11790:25 WOULD LIKE TO take order for large crocheted baby blankets. Choose own colors. S15.00 . 344 2386. 11797:30 SOUTH EUGENE HOME. Wooded lot, fantastic view. 5 large bedrooms, 2Vi baths, large family room. Many more features. 534,900 343 89*5 11883:25 ATLAS KING JUICER—year old, lifetime warranty. $75, perfect condition, good fraternity buy. 746-9998. 11993:25 t BICYCLES ) MEN'S COLUMBIA 10 speed 22-inch frame, fender. Lie. no. 22239. S65 or best offer, 342-4193. _11016:25 TONS OF TEN SPEEDS and YOU WILL SAVE MONEY Prices will be maintained at 1972 levels—or lower at your Full Service BICYCLE CENTER GITANE VOLKSCYCLE VISTA DOTSON 10 speeds Start At ONLY! $79.88 * CHECK OUR EXCLUSIVE FULL YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY! INSTANT CREDIT Takea Year to Pay! INSTANT SERVICE Never over 24 hours usually only One Hour! INSTANT DELIVERY Over 800 Bicycles Set-up and Ready to Go! PARTS and ACCESSOR IES To Fit All Bicycles —at a savings NATIONAL CYCLE SERVICE 9 to 9 Daily, 9 to 6 weekends 6th and Willamette 686-8500 6905: ttn BIKES WANTED: *5 10 speeds good or repairable, must be reasonably priced Bring bike to 1178 Charnelton or call 342-8067. 11718:0* Low prices on bicycle parts A accessories Reasonable repair rates A repair guarantee Used bikes — trade- ins Best buy finest quality Campania bicycles 24th Ave. BIKE SHOP 742 E . 24th (24th A Hilyard) 345-0477 5774:tfh MAN'S 21" COLUMBIA 10 speed. Good condition, SS5. Lie no 406174, Dave, 687-0384. 11946:25 WOMEN'S RALEIGH RECORD 10 speed, $70. Lie. no. 400075. 342 2028 11838:31 I CARS ft CYCLES ) mi TRIUMPH 500 7,900 miles, recent top end overhaul, very good *750. 740 3942 evenings. __11932.25 194* YAMAHA ATI, 125cc. Enduro, good condition S325 . 345 3131 after 5:30. 11904:30 1970 OPEL Ralleye. A sports car at VW prices We will show it at your house. 744 9444 11820:25 '71 JAVELIN SST (340) 10,000 miles auto power steering and brakes. 747-9744 11831:31 KAWASAKI 750 cc Ready for immediate delivery at RIVER ROAD CYCLE SALES 577 River Road 488-5543 -ZUfcfiP 1942 OLOSMOBILE. Good condition, S300 or best offer Call Steve, 344 1570 11971:25 RARE FUNKY 1949 business men's Dodge Coupe. Partly rebuilt, runs great. 343-8135, $250 or best offer _ 11893525 1947 AUSTIN HEALEY Sprite, good con dition, radial tires, luggage rack, rebuilt engine, 484-928311894:25 VW REPAIR, REASONABLE rates-cheap even. Call Barry 343-5957.11451:25 CHUCK’S AUTO SERVICE VW specialist complete maintenance repair service 1935 W. 8th Ave. 345 7785 4743 ENGEL’S AUTO REPAIR Domestic and foreign. All repairs, tune-up and services, welding, painting. Complete equipment. Student run, 484 2931 after 3:00. 1035 W. 19th.12543 :tfn PERRY’S FOREIGN CAR SERVICE COMPLETE VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR and service. Engine overhaul, tune-up, ad justments, replacement. 720 Taylor, 342 4442. 7082 CALL CARL COMPLETE VW, Engine Service, Emergency Service, Call weekends, anytime. 744 3420. Low Prices. 4830:tfn i cast CYCLES ) 1963 I.H. PICK-UP, six cylinder, excellent shape, $550 or best offer. Phone 344 1060 or see at 880 E. 37th. __ 11802:06 '50 DESOTO. $125, 345 6900, runs” good 11803:1)6 SAAB 96 Red 1969 SAAB 96, V-4 engine, 4-speed, am radio. A very sharp car. $1,495. SHEPPARD MOTORS 1601 W. 7th 7257:06 1965 MG1100. SUNROOF. $200 343-5687. 1)937:25 1969 AUSTIN AMERICA. 17,000 miles. Must sell before June 8. Good gas mileage. Rarely used, $695 or best offer. Bankart, 686-4082. 11955:30 5 VW RADIALS about half price. Call odd hours, 686-9445. 11839:30 FOR SALE 1951 CHEVY PANEL$175 or best offer. 344-6103. 11841:30 ROLLS ROYCE SILVER Cloud $25,000 344 4406 __11846:30 TWO TON TRUCK. 1965 Ford Excellent Also small camper trailer, 343-0623. 11853:25 '66 VW BUG, recent valve |ob, runs good. 76,000 miles, asking $650. Phone no. 344-0219 call around dinner. 11503:01 1 FOB BENT i ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT, furnished, 'h block from campus. Clean and very quiet, air conditioned, available June 5 344-4735. _11925:25 FOR RENT: ONE BEDROOM apartment, near campus, for summer term, $85-monftv 343 1428 ___ 11928:01 DISCOUNT. SUBLEASING APARTMENT for summer. S40 per month discount. Two bedrooms, block from campus, fireplace, dishwasher, garbage disposal, pool, 687-0504. 11941:25 $140— 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT. Available June 16, pool, dishwasher, fireplace. 740 E. 15th, apt. 8, call 686-2486 11944:31 ATTRACTIVE FURNISHED TWO bedroom apartment near campus Pool, patio, dish washer, shag carpeting. Sharon, Diana. 342 7078 11950:25 FURNISHED STUDIO APARTMENT, carpeted, x large closet, utilities paid. Available June 13, S97 month. Call 343-4334. 2213 Emerald. 11954:25 HUGE DISCOUNT! NEW two bedroom apartment one block from campus, swim ming pool, garage, dishwasher, furnished, shag, 345 1781. 726 7590 11957:25 FURNISHED, UNFURNISHED ONE or two bedrooms $110 to $140. Meadow Park Manor Springfield.11748:01 ELEGANT 2-BEDROOM furnished apart ment, 1 block from campus Dishwasher, garbage disposal, fireplace, shag carpet, swimming pool Available June 15. 343-9164 11992:s EMERALD APARTMENTS Furnished 2 bedroom, shag carpet, dishwasher, garbage disposal 8i sun deck Summer rate. S150 month. June 15-August 15. 1877 Emerald St. 345-2101, also taking reservations for Fall. 7135;tfn FREE RENT REFERRAL: houses, apartments, rooms and roommates. OFF CAMPUS HOUSING, 319 EMU 686^3731 13692:ttn 3-BEDROOM FURNISHED, '/j block from campus, covered parking. Now available at summer rates. 343 2651.7058: t»n BLACK STONE MANOR: New unique one and two bedroom apartments, custom furniture, shag carpeting, etc., now renting for summer $115 and $140. Also taking reservations for fall. 1750 Alder. 7164:01 RESERVATIONS FOR SUMMER. Fur nished one bedroom three blocks to campus SlOO-monfh. 1301 Ferry St. apartment 1. 344 3036, 343-9634.12939:05 SUMMER QUADS AT summer rates, $65 a month. Utilities included. 687-0505 after 5 p.m. or 687-0724.7191 :tfn SUMMER RATES START June 1 Studio quad apartments $65+. Furnished, utilities paid, air conditioned. Make reservations now for summer-fall and we'll guarantee rate. 1825, 27 Harris 345 1163. 343 3798. 11724:07 SUBLET "COSMIC" TWO bedroom fur nished apartment. Private deck, pool, shag, dishwasher, disposal. Campus four blocks 343 3682, 342 707811660:25 CALL 343-9917 Now renting for summer and fall: Studio and one *, two bedroom apartments near U of O. ___7232:06 STUDENT HOUSING NEAR PSU (All units within 5 blocks ot campus) PSU summer students in need ot housing please write to: Portland Student Services, Inc., 1002 S.W. 10th, Portland, Oregon 97201, or call 224-2727 tor information. Bachelor and sleeping room units available, *29.50 S90.00-month Equal housing opportunities. —--- 11664:06 BURNISHED apartment at a discount. One block from campus. Shag '••'Pet’ dishwasher, garbage disposal, 342 1,54 11*66:25 ,Fli^'JMeD 2 bedroom apart ment Pool, dishwasher, covered parking, Iho sh*a' 'll block *rom campus. All •he necessaries for an enjoyable summer including discounts. 6*6-0079 11*73-25 ROOM (WOMEN), CLOSE TO campus. Summer reservations. $50. 344-lt26; 342 3259, 746-0985. 719S:tfn f/UD'O APARTMENT THREE blocks from campus *90-month utilities paid Available June 9 342 2073 before 8 a.m. or after 10 p.m. --- 11917:25 t*D*°°* apartments *100 *125 month, utilities paid. 625 E. 16th Royal Terrace Jeff Reingold 344-6*59 evenings - 11916:31 ««EAT TWO BEDROOM duplex near campus, fireplace, shag carpet, appliances, h®*™ E? *1°' e,c ,,6S *25 deposit RefngoSd* ^ ’* 344 4859 Jeff 11915:25