Legendary Michigan political activist and poet John Sinclair passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 82.
Sinclair, a Flint native, was known for his efforts to promote Detroit writers and artists, his support for the Civil Rights movement, and his push to legalize marijuana.
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Sinclair founded the White Panther Party in 1968, an anti-racist group that worked alongside the Black Panther Party.
Sinclair published countless poems and music, and was the manager for Detroit rock band MC5.
In 1971, music icons descended upon Ann Arbor for one cause -- to protest the imprisonment Sinclair for possession of marijuana. Iconic artists like John Lennon, Stevie Wonder and Bob Seger performed in support of him at the “Freedom Rally” at Crisler Arena.
After the rally, Sinclair would be granted freedom by the Michigan Supreme Court. The events eventually inspired Ann Arbor’s annual Hash Bash rally.
