Assata Shakur
Assata Shakur, born JoAnne Deborah Byron on July 16, 1947, later known as JoAnne Chesimard, is an African-American activist and former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. She was convicted of the first-degree murder of a New Jersey state trooper in 1973, but she escaped from prison in 1979 and was granted political asylum in Cuba, where she has been living since 1984. Shakur has been a controversial figure, with supporters arguing that she was a victim of political persecution and opponents considering her a criminal. She is also known for her autobiography, 'Assata: An Autobiography,' which details her experiences and perspectives on social and racial issues.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Assata
The book is an autobiography that delves into the life of a controversial African American activist who became a key figure in the Black Liberation Movement. Born into a time of racial strife, she recounts her journey from her childhood experiences of racism to her involvement in civil rights activism, and her eventual membership in the Black Panther Party. The narrative provides an intimate look at her struggles with the law, including her trial and conviction for a murder she insists she did not commit. Her story is one of resilience and defiance, as she becomes a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression, eventually seeking political asylum in Cuba after escaping from prison. The autobiography is not only a personal recounting but also a reflection on the broader issues of race, gender, and justice in America.
The 5867th Greatest Book of All Time
