Assata Shakur, Fugitive and Tupac's Godmother, Dies at 78
Assata Shakur, the Black liberation activist and fugitive who escaped a U.S. prison and lived in exile in Cuba, has died in Havana at the age of 78, Cuban officials and her family confirmed.
Death in Exile
Cuban officials announced the death of Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron and also known as Joanne Chesimard, in Havana, where she had lived for decades after fleeing the United States. Shakur, who was 78, had been granted political asylum by the Cuban government following her 1979 escape from a New Jersey prison. Her family also confirmed her passing, marking the end of a life that had become emblematic of both revolutionary activism and controversy.
Shakur’s death was reported by multiple outlets, including the Tennessee Tribune and Fox 32 Chicago, which noted her status as a prominent figure in the Black liberation movement. Her escape and subsequent asylum in Cuba made her one of the most high-profile fugitives in U.S. history, and her presence in Havana was a point of tension in U.S.-Cuba relations for decades.
Legacy and Controversy
Assata Shakur was convicted of the 1973 murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, a charge she and her supporters long denied, claiming she was targeted for her activism. After her conviction, Shakur escaped from prison in 1979 with the help of allies in the Black Liberation Army, according to official records. She was later granted asylum by the Cuban government, where she lived until her death.
Her life and legacy have continued to provoke strong reactions. The Chicago Teachers Union recently honored Shakur, drawing backlash due to her conviction and fugitive status. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, acknowledged her death and reiterated the state’s long-standing position regarding her conviction and escape. Shakur was also the godmother of rapper Tupac Shakur, a fact frequently cited in discussions of her cultural impact.
Reactions and Ongoing Debate
Shakur’s death has reignited debate over her role in American history and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Left-wing organizations and activists have celebrated her as a symbol of resistance, while law enforcement groups and political leaders have condemned her actions and the honors bestowed upon her. The legacy of Assata Shakur remains deeply divisive, reflecting broader tensions in U.S. society over race, justice, and political activism.