Assata Shakur: Beloved Black Activist Passes Away in Cuban Exile After Decades of Advocacy

Assata Shakur: Fugitive Black Activist Dies in Exile in Cuba Cuban officials confirmed that Assata Shakur, a 78-year-old Black liberation activist, has died of "health conditions and advanced age" in exile on the island nation. Shakur had been living in Cuba since 1979 after escaping from a US prison. Timeline: Shakur was born Joanne Deborah Byron in 1947. In 1973, she was convicted of killing a police officer and sentenced to life in prison. She escaped from prison in 1979 with the help of the Black Liberation Army. Shakur arrived in Cuba in 1984, where Fidel Castro granted her asylum. Immediate Response: The Cuban government announced Shakur's death on Friday, confirming reports from her daughter Kakuya Shakur, who posted about her mother's passing on Facebook. The Black Lives Matter movement has celebrated Shakur's "courage" and commitment to social justice. Background Context: Shakur's case has been a subject of controversy for decades, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding her conviction and imprisonment. Her supporters maintain she was innocent, while others see her as a fugitive who escaped justice. The FBI has long sought Shakur's extradition from Cuba, but the Cuban government has refused. What Happens Next: As news of Shakur's death spreads, reactions are pouring in from around the world. Activists and supporters are reflecting on her legacy and impact on social justice movements. The US government has yet to comment on Shakur's passing or any potential implications for her extradition case. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*