By Kelli Sharpe
(Jackson, Miss.) – Jackson State University (JSU) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of James “Lap” Baker, a beloved alumnus and survivor of the tragic 1970 campus shooting that claimed the lives of two students. On that fateful night of May 14 and into the early hours of May 15, 1970, Baker witnessed the chaos and recalled crawling on his hands and knees, dodging police gunfire that resulted in the deaths of Phillip Gibbs and James Earl Green. Dozens were injured, and 12 others were shot.
A native of Picayune, Mississippi, Baker was a geography major at JSU at the time of the shooting. He recalled being near Green’s body when the violence erupted, having just cut through the campus on his way home from work. Throughout his life, Baker became a leading voice in commemorating this tragedy and fiercely challenged the narrative that misrepresented the events, attributing the violence to racial injustice. Events such as JSU’s annual Gibbs-Green Commemoration, hosted by JSU’s Margaret Walker Center (MWC), often served as a platform for the alum.
“Lap Baker dedicated much of his life to keeping the memories of James Earl Green and Phillip Lafayette Gibbs alive. He was instrumental in guaranteeing that Jackson State would continue to honor their lives and those of the survivors of that night of May 14 and 15, 1970. We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He will be missed,” said Robert Luckett, Ph.D., director of the Margaret Walker Center.
In a poignant moment in May 2021, Baker and fellow members of the Class of 1970 were finally awarded their degrees, 51 years after their original graduation ceremony was canceled due to the unrest that day.
Baker’s legacy extends beyond his studies, as he dedicated 24 years to teaching at JSU, inspiring countless students and fostering dialogue around social justice and equality.
JSU honors his memory and lifetime of contributions to the university and the broader community.
Media Contact: Kelli Sharpe, kelli.sharpe@jsums.edu.