Assata Shakur, Fugitive Black Militant, Dies in Cuba
Assata Shakur, a fugitive Black militant sought by the US since 1979, has died in Cuba at the age of 78. According to her daughter and the Cuban government, Shakur passed away on Thursday due to "health conditions and advanced age" in Havana.
Timeline of Events
Shakur was born Joanne Deborah Chesimard and was a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. In 1973, she was convicted of killing a police officer during a shootout in New Jersey. She escaped from prison in 1979 and was granted political asylum in Cuba.
Immediate Impact and Response
The US Department of Justice has confirmed Shakur's death but declined to comment further. The Cuban government has expressed its condolences to Shakur's family, praising her as a "symbol of resistance against racism and oppression."
Background Context
Shakur's case has been a source of controversy for decades, with some viewing her as a freedom fighter and others as a convicted cop killer. Her death marks the end of an era in the Black Liberation Movement, which sought to address systemic racism and police brutality.
What Happens Next
As news of Shakur's death spreads, it is likely to reignite debates about her legacy and the US-Cuba relationship. The US government has long sought her extradition, but Cuba has refused, citing its commitment to protecting political asylum seekers. With Shakur's passing, questions remain about what will happen next in this complex and sensitive case.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Npr reporting.*
