Assata Shakur, the iconic activist and godmother to rapper Tupac Shakur, has passed away in Cuba at the age of 78. She had been living in exile on the island since 1979, after escaping from a U.S. prison where she was serving a life sentence for the shooting of a police officer. Her death marks the end of an era for one of the most controversial figures in American history.
Shakur was a former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, known for her outspoken fight against racial injustice and police brutality. Despite being convicted in the 1970s, her supporters have long viewed her as a political prisoner, and her escape to Cuba turned her into a symbol of resistance for many.
Throughout her life in Cuba, Shakur remained a significant figure in discussions about civil rights and systemic oppression, influencing generations of activists and artists alike. Her legacy continues to spark debate around justice, activism, and the power of dissent.
