Assata Shakur, a prominent US Black liberation activist, has passed away at 78. She spent decades in exile in Cuba after escaping from a US jail in 1979, where she was held for killing a police officer. Shakur was a member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, and her case drew international attention due to her imprisonment and subsequent escape.
Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard, Shakur was a key figure in the Black liberation movement, advocating for the rights of African Americans.
In 1977, she was found guilty of first-degree murder for the death of a police officer and sentenced to life in prison. However, Shakur maintained her innocence, claiming she had her hands up during the altercation. She escaped from prison in 1979 with the help of fellow activists.
After her escape, Shakur surfaced in Cuba in 1984, where she was granted asylum by Fidel Castro. She lived there until her death.
Shakur’s work and legacy have inspired many, particularly during the Black Lives Matter movement. Her writings and activism continue to influence contemporary social justice movements.
Shakur’s family and Cuban officials confirmed her passing due to health complications. Her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, expressed her grief on Facebook, while Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc paid tribute to her on Instagram, vowing to continue fighting for justice in her honor.
