Assata Shakur (born July 16, 1947, as Joanne Deborah Byron Chesimard) is an African-American activist who was a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army (BLA).Shakur was born in New York City on July 16, 1947, or, according to the FBI, August 19, 1952, but spent most of her childhood in Wilmington, North Carolina until her family relocated to Queens when she was a teenager.
She attended Borough of Manhattan Community College and City College of New York in the mid 1960s, where she was involved in many political activities. After graduation, Shakur became involved in the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army.
Shakur and others claim that she was targeted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's COINTELPRO as a result of her involvement with these organizations.
New Jersey Turnpike shootout
On May 2, 1973, just after midnight,Shakur, at that time a member of the Black Liberation Army and no longer a member of the Black Panther Party, along with Zayd Malik Shakur (born James F Coston) and Sundiata Acoli (born Clark Squire), was stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike in East Brunswick by State Trooper James Harper and backed up by Trooper Werner Foerster, for driving with a broken taillight, only 200 yards away from a police administration building.
Accounts of the confrontation differ, but Zayd Shakur and Trooper Foerester were killed in the ensuing shootout, and Assata Shakur and Trooper Harper were injured. Acoli then drove the car (a white Pontiac LeMans with Vermont license plates) which contained Assata, who was wounded, and Zayd, who was dead or dying; several miles down the road, where Assata Shakur was apprehended.
Acoli then exited the car and fled into the woods and was captured after a manhunt the following day.
After the Turnpike shootings, Shakur was imprisoned in New Jersey State Reception and Correction center in Yardville, Middlesex County, New Jersey and later moved to Rikers Island Correctional Institution for Women in New York City where she was kept in solitary confinement.
Part Two of the Assata Shakur profile tomorrow
Text Attribution: Wikipedia
8 comments:
MDC,
That is cold! Part 1 - I feel like a kid who can't wait to read the rest of the story!
I read her autobigrahy over the summer and it was so touching.
Yes, yes, yes!!
I wondered when you would come with the great Joanne Chesimard. When I think of black history...besides the usual MLK, Malcolm X, and WEB Dubois, I think of this women.
I did a research paper on her once. Been in love with her every since. I will be sure to check out Part II tomorrow.
I wonder how she feels about Fidel stepping down?
I love Assata Shakur. I read her autobiography my freshman year in college.
Awesome!!!! She should be free to come home!!!! Her bio is awesome.
Can't wait for Part II MDC.
XJ,
Stay tuned!
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Afrodite,
I read it too a few years ago. I hope someone will make it into a film one day.
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Don,
I'm not sure how she would feel but I don't think there are going to be any major changes in Cuba anytime soon.
I bet she's more concerned with who becomes President here.
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Tasha,
Her book is a great. More people should read it.
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Professor Tracey,
Maybe if Brack is elected she can come home.
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Lady Di,
The second part is very interesting!
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@ mes: I agree. I can't see any major changes taking place in Cuba.
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