#revolutionary

One our greatest living revolutionaries, Assata Shakur, has transitioned to the ancestors. On September 25, 2025, passed away in Havana, Cuba, where she had lived in exile since at least 1984. Beginning her activism in college, Shakur was a foundational member of both the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army, where she honed both her revolutionary theory and practice. Targeted constantly by the state, Assata was arrested in 1973 after she and several other BLA members were attacked by state troopers on the New Jersey Turnpike. She and her comrades were injured in the attack, and a state trooper was killed when BLA members returned fire in self defense. Shakur was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1977, but this did not stop her work. She continued to organize as a political prisoner, and she was broken out of jail in 1979 by fellow BLA members and the May 19 Communist Organization. During her years on the run, she was placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, where she remained until her death. In 1984, Cuba granted her formal political asylum and refused to extradite her, despite relentless pressure from the United States, including a $1,000,000 reward. In 1987, she published her seminal work, Assata: An Autobiography. This work is a foundational text for anyone committed to destroying Western Imperialism and colonialism. In it, she wrote the following words, which have become a rally cry echoed throughout worldwide struggles for freedom.

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

Rest in power, comrade Assata Shakur!

Revolutionary Black liberation fighter Assata Shakur has passed away, as confirmed this morning by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Assata lived in exile from the U.S. under Cuba's protection for many years. She spent decades on the FBI's most wanted list.

Now more than ever, we all must heed Assata's words:

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom.

It is our duty to win.

We must love each other and support each other.

She lived and died free.

Assata Shakur has joined the ancestors at 78.

A revolutionary. A mother. A writer. A symbol of resistance. Born JoAnne Deborah Byron, she dedicated her life to Black liberation. First through the Black Panther Party, then the Black Liberation Army. In 1973, she was involved in a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that left a state trooper dead. She was arrested, convicted, and later escaped prison. Assata always maintained her innocence, and many believed her trial was deeply flawed. Shaped by the government’s efforts to silence and criminalize Black activists.

In 1984, she was granted asylum in Cuba, where she lived for over 40 years.

To some, she was a fugitive. To us, she was a freedom fighter.

Her life in exile was quiet but never hidden. Her story became a syllabus. Her words became gospel. Her name became a call to action.

ASSATA.

Check out her autobiography at your local library or bookstore to learn more about her story.