"Assata" is the powerful autobiography of Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther and a fugitive living in Cuba. Through her compelling narrative, she details her experiences with systemic racism, political oppression, and the fight for Black liberation in America. Shakur offers a raw, unflinching look at her life, from her childhood to her controversial arrest and eventual escape from the injustices of the American legal system. Her story challenges readers to confront difficult truths about society and question the narratives surrounding activists. With its potent blend of personal reflection and political discourse, "Assata" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of resistance and resilience.
By Assata Shakur
Published: 2001
"It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains."
This presents the life story of African American revolutionary Shakur, previously known as JoAnne Chesimard.
Assata Shakur is a prominent activist, writer, and former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. Born on July 16, 1947, in New York City, Shakur's notable works include her autobiography, "Assata: An Autobiography," published in 1987, which details her life, struggles against systemic racism, and her experiences with the criminal justice system. Her writing style is characterized by its raw honesty, powerful prose, and deep emotional resonance, often merging personal narrative with broader social and political themes. As a key figure in the civil rights movement, Shakur has become an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression.
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“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
Assata
By Assata Shakur
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