Assata Shakur's Death Ends a Longstanding U.S.-Cuba Standoff
EXCLUSIVE: Cop Killer and Godmother of Tupac Shakur, Assata Shakur, Dead at 78 - A Life of Crime, Drama, and Exile
In a shocking turn of events, Joanne Deborah Chesimard, aka Assata Shakur, the notorious cop killer and godmother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, has passed away at the ripe age of 78. According to official sources, she breathed her last on September 25th in Havana, Cuba, citing health conditions and advanced age as the cause.
This news comes as a shock to many who followed Shakur's tumultuous life story, marked by crime, drama, and high-stakes escapes. A member of the infamous Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army, Shakur was involved in a notorious gunfight with New Jersey State Police Troopers on May 2, 1973, after a traffic stop on the Garden State Parkway.
The incident left one trooper, Werner Foerster, dead and another wounded. In the chaos that ensued, one of Shakur's companions was also killed, and she herself managed to escape with non-life-threatening injuries - or so she claimed. Years later, she would maintain in her writings from Cuba that she had been shot by a police officer while her hands were raised in surrender.
However, there is another side to the story. Prosecutors argued that Shakur, who was already wanted on multiple felony charges, including bank robbery, fired at least one shot during the gunfight. While Shakur's supporters continue to claim her innocence, it's undeniable that she played a pivotal role in the events leading up to Foerster's tragic death.
Shakur's subsequent escape from prison in 1979 - where she was serving a life sentence for murder, armed robbery, and other crimes - would go down as one of the most brazen heists in American history. With the help of fellow Black Liberation Army members posing as visitors, they stormed the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women, took two guards hostage, and commandeered a prison van to break Shakur out.
As she made her way to Cuba, where Fidel Castro would grant her asylum, Shakur became an international fugitive. Her case would remain a thorn in the side of US-Cuba relations for decades, with American authorities - including President Donald Trump during his first term - repeatedly demanding her return to face justice.
In 2013, Shakur was added to the FBI's Most Wanted List under her birth name, Joanne Chesimard. Her inclusion marked a new era in her public persona, cementing her status as an international symbol of resistance and controversy.
Shakur's complicated relationship with the US government is mirrored in her personal life. As the step-aunt and godmother of Tupac Shakur - the legendary rapper who was tragically assassinated at just 25 years old - she played a significant role in shaping his identity and worldview.
Now, as news of her passing spreads, fans and detractors alike are left to grapple with the complexities of Shakur's life. While some see her as a hero of the Black Liberation movement, others view her as a cop killer who evaded justice for far too long.
As we bid farewell to this enigmatic figure, one thing is clear: Assata Shakur's legacy will continue to inspire - and provoke - for years to come.
In a statement confirming her mother's passing, Kakuya Shakur wrote on Facebook:
"At approximately 1:15 PM on September 25th, my mother, Assata Shakur, took her last earthly breath. Words cannot describe the depth of loss that I am feeling at this time. I want to thank you for your loving prayers that continue to anchor me in the strength that I need in this moment. My spirit is overflowing in unison with all of you who are grieving with me at this time."
As the news sets off a wave of tributes and condolences, The Scholarly Note takes a closer look at Shakur's remarkable life story - from her tumultuous early years to her high-profile escape and her subsequent exile in Cuba.
Stay tuned for our in-depth analysis of Assata Shakur's legacy, as we delve into the intricacies of her case and explore what her passing means for US-Cuba relations and beyond.