Assata Shakur, a political activist, died at the age of 78
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, has confirmed the loss.
Assata Shakur has been reported to have passed away at the age of 78.
Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a concise statement on Friday morning (Sept. 26) attributing her cause of death to “health problems and advanced age.” Shakur has resided in Cuba under political asylum since 1984, after she fled the United States following her conviction for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper and her escape from prison.
In 2013, the FBI designated Shakur as a most-wanted terrorist, marking her as the first woman to achieve this distinction. The government agency, in its ongoing pursuit, characterized the activist as armed and dangerous, announcing a reward of up to $1,000,000.
Originally named JoAnne Deborah Byron, the activist adopted a new name in 1971, as reported by The Guardian. The outlet highlighted that her activism has roots in her college days during the 1960s, when she became engaged with the Golden Drums society.
“The name JoAnne started to get on my nerves,” she wrote in her autobiography. “I had transformed significantly and shifted to a different rhythm. I didn’t feel like any JoAnne, or any Negro, or any American. I experienced a sense of identity as an African woman. My mind, heart, and soul had returned to Africa, yet my name remained lost in Europe somewhere.
In 1970, she became a member of the Black Panther Party; however, she departed because of differing beliefs and subsequently became involved with the Black Liberation Army.
“The Black Liberation Army transcends the notion of an organization.” It represents a concept, a movement of the people, an idea. The idea of the BLA emerged in response to the political, social, and economic oppression faced by black individuals in this country. Where oppression exists, resistance will inevitably follow. The BLA plays a role in that resistance movement. “The Black Liberation Army represents the pursuit of freedom and justice for every individual,” she stated during a trial in 1975.
In Cuba, Shakur led a largely private existence, authoring Assata: An Autobiography and occasionally writing essays and giving interviews in her later years.
“I am Assata Shakur, a 20th-century escaped slave.” Due to government persecution, I had no option but to escape the political repression, racism, and violence that characterize the U.S. government’s approach to people of color. “I am an ex-political prisoner, and I have been living in exile in Cuba since 1984,” she expressed in an open letter in 2013, which was later published by Workers World in 2014.
“I am just one woman. I do not own any television stations, radio stations, or newspapers. However, I believe it is essential for individuals to be informed about the current situation and to grasp the relationship between the news media and the mechanisms of oppression in America. My voice, my spirit, and my determination to speak the truth are all that I possess. However, I earnestly urge those of you in the Black media, those in the progressive media, and those who value truth and freedom, to share this statement and inform the public about what is occurring. We lack a voice, so you must serve as the voice for those who cannot speak.
She concluded, “Free All Political Prisoners.” I extend my love and revolutionary greetings from Cuba, home to one of the largest, most resilient, and most courageous palenques (Maroon camps) that has ever existed on this planet.
Shakur leaves behind her daughter, Kakuya Shakur.
“At around 1:15 PM on September 25th, my mother, Assata Shakur, drew her final breath.” The depth of loss I am experiencing at this moment is beyond words. I appreciate your heartfelt prayers that provide me with the strength I require at this time. Kakuya expressed in a Facebook post, “My spirit is overflowing in unison with all of you who are grieving with me at this time.”
“Sending heartfelt love and gratitude to each of you.”
