The world of Black liberation and humanitarianism lost a true freedom fighter. Assata Shakur, who was unjustly railroaded and convicted for a crime she did not commit, passed away in Cuba.
Her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, posted an announcement on social media on Sept. 26. “At approximately 1:15 PM on September 25th, my mother, Assata Shakur, took her last earthly breath. Words cannot describe the depth of loss that I am feeling at this time.
I want to thank you for your loving prayers that continue to anchor me in the strength that I need in this moment. My spirit is overflowing in unison with all of you who are grieving with me at this time. Sending much love and appreciation to you all, Kakuya Shakur,” she posted on Facebook. She was 78 years old.
Assata Shakur, a member of the Black Liberation Army, was charged and convicted in the 1973 death of a New Jersey trooper after a shootout. However, she was unarmed and wounded in the incident that also claimed the life of Black Panther Party leader Zayd Shakur and wounded Black Liberation Army member Sundiata Acoli.
In 1977, Ms. Shakur was convicted of the first-degree murder of the trooper along with other charges. In 1979, she escaped and eventually arrived in Cuba where she lived until her death.
On May 2, 2013, she was added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists List as the first woman by the Obama administration. The federal government had a $1 million bounty out for her arrest, and another $1 million bounty was issued by New Jersey’s Attorney General.
Sentiments and tributes have poured out from around the world since the announcement of her passing.
The Final Call will pay tribute to Sister Assata Shakur in an upcoming edition. —The Final Call