Even in Death, Assata Shakur Stands as Example for Young Radicals

November 10, 2025

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army member who lived in exile in Cuba, died in Havana on September 25 at age 78. Dr. Kimberly Monroe, an associate professor at Trinity Washington University who has long studied Shakur's autobiography, organized a public reading event with students to honor her legacy and teachings. The event included excerpts from Shakur's book, music, and a documentary about her life in Cuba, though Monroe faced criticism from conservative media for hosting it.

Who is affected

Assata Shakur (deceased at age 78)
Dr. Kimberly Monroe (associate professor at Trinity Washington University)
Students and faculty members at Trinity Washington University
Students at Howard University
Shakur's daughter
Young people and college students fighting for social justice causes

What action is being taken

Dr. Monroe is conducting public readings of excerpts from Shakur's autobiography with students and faculty
Monroe is playing music and showing documentaries about Shakur's life to students
Monroe is teaching and sharing Shakur's journey of political consciousness with students at multiple universities

Why it matters

Shakur's life and work serve as an important educational tool for understanding the development of social and political consciousness, particularly for college students. Her journey demonstrates how study and practice contribute to activism and resistance movements. She stands as a symbol of resistance against U.S. imperialism, racism, and capitalism, inspiring current generations of activists fighting for similar causes.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer