Controversial Honors: Teachers Union Mourns Fugitive Activist Assata Shakur

SHOCKING TRIBUTE: Chicago Teachers Union Slammed for Honoring Cop-Killer Assata Shakur

In a move that has left many stunned and outraged, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) recently took to social media to pay tribute to Assata Shakur, a notorious fugitive Black activist who was convicted of murdering a New Jersey cop in 1973. The union's decision to honor Shakur, who is also Tupac Shakur's godmother, has sparked intense backlash and controversy.

According to sources close to the matter, Shakur, who escaped from prison in 1979 and has been on the FBI's Most Wanted List since 2013, was a key figure in the Black Liberation Army. Her alleged involvement in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, has left many questioning the union's judgment.

In a statement released on X, the CTU wrote: "We honor the life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a fierce writer, a revered elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom whose spirit continues to live in our struggle." The post went on to praise Shakur for refusing to be silenced and for teaching others that it is their duty to fight for their freedom.

However, not everyone was impressed with the union's tribute. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy took to social media to condemn the move, calling it "shameful and depraved." He wrote: "She was convicted of murdering New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was executed in cold blood. There are so many worthy heroes to celebrate. She is not one of them."

The reaction from Murphy was just the beginning. Social media users flooded the CTU's post with criticism and outrage, with some calling for the union to be held accountable for their actions.

Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, took aim at the union in a statement released to The Scholarly Note: "The Chicago Teachers Union, which is supposed to be responsible for educating kids, is honoring a convicted murderer using its official social media account. This is a wake-up call for Chicago teachers who feel like their union is not portraying an accurate representation of them."

Despite the backlash, other organizations have come out in support of the CTU's tribute. Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc. released a statement praising Shakur and lamenting her treatment at the hands of the US government: "May her courage, wisdom, and deep, abiding love permeate through every dimension and guide us."

The Democratic Socialists also weighed in on the controversy, releasing a statement that accused the US of brutally oppressing Assata and praised Cuba for welcoming her with open arms. They wrote: "The Cubans welcomed her and other Black Revolutionaries with asylum, and their solidarity and loyalty allowed Assata to live out her days in Havana."

But what really sets this story apart is the complex history surrounding Shakur's case. According to reports, she was involved in a gunfight with New Jersey State Police Troopers following a highway traffic stop. Trooper Foerster was killed, leaving behind his wife and three-year-old son.

Shakur was later convicted of murder, armed robbery, and other crimes in 1977 and sentenced to life in prison. However, she escaped from prison in 1979 and has been on the run ever since.

In her autobiography, Shakur claims innocence, writing that she did not shoot anyone during the gunfight and had her hands raised at the time of the shooting. Despite this, many believe that she is guilty of the crimes for which she was convicted.

The controversy surrounding the CTU's tribute to Assata Shakur has sparked a heated debate about free speech and the limits of social media. While some argue that the union has every right to honor Shakur as a revolutionary figure, others see her actions as reprehensible and believe that the union should be held accountable for their actions.

As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Assata Shakur's case is far from over.