Assata Shakur is a rebel shero and a beautiful, dredlocked, African warrior queen. The following quotes are taken from a letter penned by Assata in January of 1998. She wrote in response to the police state of New Jersey’s brazen attempt to extend its racist martial law to the streets of Havana, Cuba. These state sanctioned gang bangers and racist thugs in uniforms DARED to request that the Pope act as a co-conspirator in the capture of our exiled sister, because she dared to escape the belly of the Beast. Defiant as always, Assata wrote:
"...Under COINTELPRO, many political activists were harassed, imprisoned, murdered, or otherwise neutralized. As a result of being targeted by COINTELPRO, I, like many other young people, was faced with the threat of prison, underground, exile, or death...
I have advocated, and I still advocate, revolutionary changes in the structure and in the principles that govern the United States. I advocate an end to capitalist exploitation, the abolition of racist policies, the eradication of sexism and the elimination of political repression. If that is a crime, then I am totally guilty.
...I was captured in New Jersey in 1973, after being shot with both arms held up in the air, and then shot again from the back. I was left on the ground to die and when I did not, I was taken to a local hospital where I was threatened, beaten, and tortured. In 1977, I was convicted in a trial that can only be described as a legal lynching.
In 1979, I was able to escape with the aid of some of my fellow comrades. I saw this as a necessary step, not only because I was innocent of the charges against me, but because I knew that in the racist legal system in the United States, I would receive no justice. I was also afraid that I would be murdered in prison. I later arrived in Cuba where I am currently living in exile as a political refugee.
The U. S. is becoming more hostile to Black people and other people of color. Racism is running rampant and xenophobia is on the rise...
Although we live in one of the richest, most technologically advanced countries in the world, our reality is similar to an undeveloped Third World country. We are a people who are truly seeking freedom and harmony.” Peace is a rare gift. Peace of mind, peaceful sleeps, and peaceful spirits are all luxuries that FEW rebels can EVER afford."
Peace has eluded Assata for decades. What little peace she has found in exile is now being destroyed by fascist neocons with power in New Jersey. Our revered rebel shero’s survival is being threatened by the increasingly long arms of U.S. martial law.
Like all revolutionaries, especially Black Panthers, Assata has sacrificed her life for freedom. Like all those who love African people, it is a sacrifice she is compelled to make, even if as a death pact. By any means necessary, Assata will CONTINUE to live in DEFIANCE of COINTELPRO!!!
Assata will always be free as long as she rebels in spirit, rebels in her soul, and rebels in her mind. Just as Mumia Abu Jamal. Just as Angela Davis. Just as Geronimo Ji Jaga...
Dear Assata: Stay strong Sister. We love and revere you. We WILL win! Aluta Continua...
(For more information on Assata Shakur, read her legendary autobiography Assata.)