Assata Shakur Remembered: A Voice of Struggle, a Legacy of Love

September 30, 2025

Assata Shakur, a former Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army leader who died recently after living in exile in Cuba for nearly 50 years, has left a profound impact on generations of activists. Journalist Thandisizwe Chimurenga shared her heartfelt reaction to Shakur's passing on Black Press USA's "Let It Be Known" morning news show, expressing both personal grief and appreciation for Shakur's life and legacy. Born JoAnne Byron (also known as JoAnne Chesimard), Shakur was targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO program, convicted in contested circumstances in 1977, and escaped from prison in 1979 before receiving asylum in Cuba.

Who is affected

Assata Shakur's daughter and husband
Thandisizwe Chimurenga and other journalists who respected Shakur
Generations of Black activists and those involved in the Black Lives Matter movement
The Black community who saw Shakur as a symbol of liberation
People who view Shakur's legacy differently, representing the national divide mentioned in the article

What action is being taken

Media outlets like Black Press USA are covering Shakur's death and discussing her legacy through programs like the "Let It Be Known" morning news show
Journalists like Chimurenga are publicly reflecting on and commemorating Shakur's life and impact
People are continuing to use Shakur's words as protest chants and inspiration for ongoing activism

Why it matters

Shakur remains an influential figure whose words shaped multiple generations of activists
Her life represents both the struggle against what Chimurenga calls the "criminal injustice system" and the possibility of resistance
Her autobiography and poetry offered a different perspective of her than the "terrorist" label given by the state
Her death highlights continuing racial divisions in America, with sharply different reactions to her passing
Her legacy embodies what Chimurenga describes as "love of Black people, sacrifice, commitment, and beauty"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint