Assata: An Autobiography
Jun 2020 · Chicago Review Press
4.8star
18 reviewsreport
Ebook
320
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About this ebook
On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. Long a target of J. Edgar Hoover's campaign to defame, infiltrate, and criminalize Black nationalist organizations and their leaders, Shakur was incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence in 1977 as an accomplice to murder.
This intensely personal and political autobiography belies the fearsome image of JoAnne Chesimard long projected by the media and the state. With wit and candor, Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou.
Two years after her conviction, Assata Shakur escaped from prison. She was given political asylum by Cuba, where she now resides.
Ratings and reviews
4.8
18 reviews
Dameon Fowler
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March 25, 2023
Her teenage runaway years is the most relatable time to me. I find it hilarious what everyone thought about her. I find it heart warming when african american men were trying to get her to make good decisions. We commonly hear the side where capitalist drives make our disadvantaged take advantage of others in similar situations but this book sheds light on all sides of our society. It tells us about the dangers and the love people can have. Assata had so much love for her people and humanity itself. She even had so much love for the imperial system that racially persecutes her comrades. There is horror and light from beginning to end here. She shined the entire time. She shared so many angelic experiences she had with other 60s and 70s radicals. She gave such a fierce loving and at times motherly compassion for the cause of improving the life of her people. I wish I could have been part of the revolution because an angel like Assata deserves nothing but a good life. I love you Assata!
Billy Black
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July 2, 2023
powerful story of how my people have been conditioned to hate ourselves and how revolutionaries are created from conditions we experienced
Tay_Tay
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August 4, 2023
Such a powerful story or endurance, truth, and vulnerability or fighting for the right to live.
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