Assata Shakur was a staple of the black power movement of the 1970s. She is the author of the bestselling book, Assata and Common and Cee Lo Green released a song dedicated to her called, “A Song for Assata Shakur.”
The song helped to introduce her to the hip-hop generation.
However, Shakur recently became the first woman to be added to the FBI’s most wanted terrorist. Also known as Joanne Chesimard, Shakur was a member of the Black Liberation Army during the 1970s. In 1977, according to court testimonies, Shakur and two others were stopped by Forester before he was killed. She was convicted of the murder of New Jersey trooper Werner Forester. Shakur escaped from prison and received political asylum in Cuba.
Fidel Castro’s shaky relationship with the United States has prevented the FBI from capturing Shakur in Cuba. At 65, Shakur does not pose a threat to the safety of Americans. But the FBI is offering $2 million for her safe return.
Listen to Common’s “A Song for Assata.”
