Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur died Thursday in Havana at age 78. Cuban authorities reported that health complications and advanced age caused her death. Her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, confirmed the news through social media. Federal agents had offered a $2 million reward for her capture.
Courts convicted Shakur in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a 1973 highway incident. She broke out of prison in 1979 and escaped to Cuba. Fidel Castro provided her with political asylum on the island. Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard in Queens, she became involved in civil rights activities during the 1960s before joining militant groups.
Her 1987 autobiography gained influence among social justice activists. The memoir detailed her experiences and political beliefs. Law enforcement agencies continued pursuing her case for decades while she lived in exile.
Courts convicted Shakur in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a 1973 highway incident. She broke out of prison in 1979 and escaped to Cuba. Fidel Castro provided her with political asylum on the island. Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard in Queens, she became involved in civil rights activities during the 1960s before joining militant groups.
Her 1987 autobiography gained influence among social justice activists. The memoir detailed her experiences and political beliefs. Law enforcement agencies continued pursuing her case for decades while she lived in exile.
