Assata Shakur died Friday in Cuba at 78. She was revered as a political activist who dedicated her life to liberation by some. To others, she was a controversial figure who loomed large over the American political landscape.
The Cuban government confirmed that Shakur’s death occurred and attributed it to “health conditions and advanced age.” They have not released a more specific cause of death at this time.
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She was a Member of the Black Panther and the Black Liberation Army
Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard, she rose through the ranks of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army.
She publicly championed revolutionary ideas that were celebrated and hated. She spoke out against mass incarceration and critiqued what she considered the limitations of public education.
Assata Shakur Was Convicted of the Murder of a State Trooper and Fled to Cuba
The story of how she came to live and died in Cuba seems unbelievable. But she was convicted of the murder of a state trooper named Werner Foerster in connection with a 1977 shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. That incident resulted in her being sentenced to life in prison.
Somehow, Assata escaped from custody and fled to Cuba. The country embraced her and refused to extradite her. They granted her political asylum. Her escape from the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women in New Jersey became international news, followed closely by both her supporters and detractors. When the authorities posted wanted signs seeking her out, some of her devotees responded by hanging posters that declared “Assata is welcome here.”
Assata’s Case Was Frequently Cited
Assata released an autobiography in 1987 that detailed her perspective on the shootout. It was titled “Assata” and outlined her political beliefs. She maintained her innocence throughout her life.
The case was frequently cited by political pundits as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Cuba progressed. It pulsated beneath the world’s consciousness, with people across the political spectrum eager to use it as a mascot for various causes and ideas.
It inspired a ripped-from-the-headlines episode of the long-running CBS political drama Madam Secretary, where a similar case threatens to disrupt trade embargo negotiations.
News of Her Death Impacted Many
Many were deeply affected by the news of her passing. They took to the internet to share their feelings.
Following her death, a wave of social media posts has featured her photograph and quotes. Some have issued heartfelt salutes and somber farewells. Others have issued harsh declarations.
Marc Lamont Hill discussed the impact Assata’s book had on him personally on his Instagram. “Assata wrote the second book that changed ( and likely saved) my life. She taught me about the power of Freedom Dreams. She showed me the beauty of struggle. And she proved that “a wall is just a wall. And nothing more at all. It can be broken down.”
However, when he joined Joe Budden’s podcast, he offered a proper tribute, including his perspective on her case.
However, the hip-hop community, especially, revered Assata. She was the godmother to the iconic rapper Tupac Shakur. She was a dear friend of his mother, Afeni Shakur, who was a member of the Black Panther Party. Tupac appeared to share some of Assata’s beliefs and infused them into his music. The rapper frequently spoke about ideals that were present in his godmother’s public statements in his music before his own tragic death at the hands of a Las Vegas gunman in 1996 at the age of 25.
On his 1993 single “Keep Ya Head Up,” he advocated for the kind of community initiatives that Assata and those she sat with worked on.
He expressed support for young Black women struggling on welfare and heavily criticized what he saw as cuts to social programs in favor of funding the military-industrial complex.
Following his death, the song “Changes” was released on his 1998 album. It featured lyrics that advocated for communal consideration.
