In Memoriam: Marilyn Jean Buck on her birthday (December 13)

On December 13, 1947, Marilyn Jean Buck was born in Midland, Texas. In her life, Buck became involved in activism against the Vietnam War and racism, joining groups like the Students for a Democratic Society. She was convicted in 1973 for illegal firearms purchase and again in 1979 for aiding a prison escape. Her involvement in the 1981 Brink’s robbery and the 1983 U.S. Senate bombing led to further convictions. Despite imprisonment, Buck remained active, contributing articles on social issues while publishing poetry and earning accolades for her literary work. Her life and convictions exemplified her dedication to causes she believed in, tied to her upbringing in a family deeply engaged in civil rights activism. Buck’s connection to Midland, though born there, largely unfolded in her later years as her activism took her across the country, reflecting a journey shaped by her experiences and beliefs. She passed away in 2010 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of activism.