After years of only knowing about Assata Shakur from the things I have read on the internet or heard through the grapevine, I finally picked up her autobiography.
The United States has spread negative descriptions of Assata Shakur; dehumanizing, demonizing and criminalizing her- not mentioning the injustices she faced while in their custody. The countless beatings, the inhumane living conditions they subjected her to and the lies that were told during her trials are usually kept out of the press conferences and chronicles distributed about Shakur. It was refreshing to hear her side of the story. Refreshing to see her as a human being and being able to relate to her upbringing and early adulthood life.
While reading Shakur’s autobiography, you are guaranteed to laugh, cry, learn and become so infuriated by the treatments from the united states government.
Assata Shakur embodies resilience, proactivity and strength.
She reminds us that in order for us to be free, we must free ourselves and not depend on the system of oppressors.
I have highlighted some themes throughout the book that I think would be beneficial to Black and Third World people to hold on to in today’s time:
- Control your narrative:
The FBI, CIA, and other police agencies plastered wanted posters of Assata Shakur throughout the states, while media circulated propaganda depicting her as a violent cop hating monster. Theses false narratives about Assata Shakur were spread internationally, yet Assata authored her own truth through her autobiography. She has maintained her innocence and highlighted the injustices and inaccuracies in her trials (which most of them she beat) using her principles and credibility.
- Stand on your foundation
Shakur was raised by her grandparents in the segregated south, during a time where blatant racism was the law. They instilled pride, self-worth, and encouraged Assata to be fearless by using her voice to speak up. They also taught her to respect those who respected her. And though they often faced domestic white terrorism from the kkk, they never fled, but stood strong and prevailed. She’s held on to these principles, which has enhanced her impact as an activist.
- Know your history
Shakur’s autobiography is jammed packed with unsugarcoated American Black history.
She acknowledges the systems in the united states that contributes to the oppression of Black americans including the political system, along with the influence media has over the masses.
- Notice the patterns in America
Throughout the 60’s Shakur, like many other Black Panthers and activist fought against police brutality and fought for equal housing, fair education and black liberation. Almost 60 years later, Black people continue to fight for these rights. Police are set after taking the lives of black unarmed citizens around the country, cities like Flint are still suffering water crisis, and housing and education is all but equal.
Shakur encourages us to keep going. In the face of adversity, we must remain strong while remembering the objective.
I encourage you to release any negative perceptions you may have about Assata Shakur, the Black Liberation Army, or the Black Panthers and read Assata: An Autobiography for yourself. Her message has never been violent, instead she’s only wanted liberation for Black and Third World people worldwide.
Copyright © 1987 by Zed Books Ltd