Recently, an icon and hero passed away on September 25, 2025. She taught us a lot. Thinking about her, you realize her transcendent presence. Her presence wasn't just about being against the evils of imperialism and colonialism (that have destroyed millions of black lives and the lives of people of every color). She wanted black people to be free. Being free means owning your dignity. It means to have self-expression and fundamental self-control over your own life without oppression or injustice. Her freedom was her earnest, legitimate goal. She lived and breathed in the realm of desiring justice unequivocally. The late Assata Shakur was in many freedom groups like the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Panthers, etc. She lived up North in New York City, and she lived down South in North Carolina. Yet, she never relinquished her quest for freedom and justice. Her braids and her smile certainly gave us not only cultural appreciation of our heritage. They represent her soul being honest and filled with beauty inside and out as a black woman. There are a lot of feelings in my mind, especially as we live during these controversial times. Likewise, I am reminded about the glory of Blackness and the omnipotence of God.
Assata Shakur risked her life for us. She spoke about Afro-Cubans and black people in the Diaspora for us. As an African American, I will always show my respect to my black Brothers and black Sisters worldwide, irrespective of nationality. Now, she is resting with the ancestors. The lies about her life are abundant, but we recognize the truth of her cause, the joy in her spirit, and the subsequent inspiration that we have in our consciousness to end the system of fascism that still plagues our world. Our ancestors suffered the worst form of slavery in history, but we never came from weak people. We come from a strong people who survived the whips, the chains, and mistreatment to shine like diamonds as athletes, scholars, STEM experts (including inventors), teachers, lawyers, theologians, judges, journalists, reporters, political leaders, and freedom fighters. Black liberation will always be our aim. We all send condolences to Assata Shakur's daughter, to the rest of her family, and to her friends. She will be deeply missed, and her spirit will always live on.
Rest in Power Sister Assata Shakur.
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