The Imperishable Beauty of ASSATA SHAKUR

 

“I come from a tradition of Women Maroons, who didn’t just try to escape from oppression but who were totally – mind, body and spirit committed to resisting and WINNING.” –  Assata Shakur

By now many will be aware that Mama Assata Olugbala Shakur has been added to the FBI’s “Top 10 Most Wanted Terrorist List”. Being the first woman to be added, Mama Assata now shares the honour alongside such names as Osama Bin Laden, Abdullah Ahmed Abdallah & Ramadan Abdullah Mohamed Shallah.

It is interesting to note that while the others on the list feature for allegations such as “Conspiracy to Place a Destructive Device Aboard an Aircraft”, “Attempting to Destroy and Damage, by Means of Explosives…” and “Conspiracy to Use Weapons of Mass Destruction Against U.S. Nationals”, Mama Assata features for vague undefined offences such as “Act Of Terrorism” as well as “Unlawful Flight to Avoid Confinement – Murder”. And if that was not enough, the previous bounty for her capture has been doubled from $1, 000, 000 to $2, 000, 000.

It is necessary to be clear that this act of unmitigated gall on the part of the US government is nothing less than an attack aimed to destroy the unconquered Spirit of a Mother and lasting symbol of the Afrikan Liberation Movement. But before I go further, it is apparent to me that many are not acquainted with the life & legacy of Mama Assata, so let me take some time to shed some light on who she is.

Assata Shakur was born in New York on July 16th 1947. She became a student activist in her teens and later joined the Black Panther Party at age 23 in Harlem, fast becoming one its leading members. While with the panthers she was instrumental in the organising and implementation of the School & Breakfast program aimed to educate and feed Black children. On facing ideological differences with the Party, Mama Assata moved on to join the Black Liberation Army (BLA) and also the Republic of New Afrika.

She became known to the American authorities as the “Mother Hen” of the Black Liberation Movement and as such became a prime target of the FBI, Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) initiated under the leadership of J Edgar Hoover. The FBI instituted COINTELPRO for expressed aims and objectives:

• “Prevent the COALITION of militant black nationalist groups”

• “Prevent the RISE OF A “MESSIAH” who could unify, and electrify, the militant black nationalist movement”

• “Prevent militant black nationalist groups and leaders from gaining RESPECTABILITY, by discrediting them to three separate segments of the community.”

• “A final goal should be to prevent the long-range GROWTH of militant black organizations, especially among youth. Specific tactics to prevent these groups from converting young people must be developed.”

Thus set the frame work for the FBI to engage in the mass surveillance, infiltration, harassment, arrest, incarceration and down right murder of the many organisations and leading members of the Black Liberation movement. As Mama Assata states:

“It didn’t matter what position you took, it mattered that people related to those positions, that people understood what you were saying, that people supported you…. The government perceived us as a threat because they understood that we were serious, they understood we were serious and they understood also that we were becoming a more sophisticated opposition.” –Assata Shakur

The “neutralisation” tactics of the FBI included:

• The arrest of the “Panther 21” (1969), in which 21 leading Black Panther members were arrested and jailed in trumped up charges.

• The murder of Fred Hampton & Mark Clarke in a raid conducted the Chicago Police Department and the FBI.

• Flooding the Black community with Drugs.

• Sending paid agents into Black organisation in order to spy and create dischord between organizations.

The above are just a few examples that speak to the workings of viscous,  malicious vendetta for which the American government, FBI and various police departments had no bounds. Mama Assata herself was hounded by the authorities wherever she went. Constant & persistent surveillance led to numerous attempts to frame her under false criminal accusations, which all failed. They accused her of Bank robbery – the charge wouldn’t stick. They accused her of bombing a police car with a hand grenade – the charge wouldn’t stick. Even when she was shot in the stomach in April 1971, she was arrested, charged with armed robbery – and the charge would stick. It would appear that after all these failed attempts they simply resolved to take her out.

On 2^nd May 1973 Mama Assata and BLA Brothers Zayd Malik Shakur and Sundiata Acoli were stopped by New Jersey state troopers James Harper and Werner Forester, for allegedly driving with a broken tale light. The altercation resulted in the death of Zayd Malik Shakur and State Trooper Werner Forester – who was shot with his own gun.

Following arrest, the lioness was subjected to a Kangaroo court, governed by the wolves who gathered for her flesh. She was charged was with many criminal acts and eventually convicted of only one – the murder of the officer Foerster. The judge and jury conspired to bring back a guilty verdict despite no evidence proving that she even held the gun that killed Foerster, let alone shot it. In fact, medical evidence revealed that she had herself been shot twice in the shoulder, while her hands were raised in a declaration of being unarmed. The wound broke her clavicle bone and as such made it impossible for her to raise a gun in order to shoot anyone. Also trooper James Harper later admitted to having lied in a number of conflicting statements that were used in trail against Mama Assata. But the nature of injustice is that lies prevail and define the reality of the day. Thus Mama Assata was sentenced and imprisoned.

While in prison she was beaten, tortured and hounded sometimes near to death. She spent over 2 ½  years in solitary confinement. Significant periods of her incarceration were spent in all male prisons and specially built maximum security cells monitored 24 hours a day by armed guards.

Comfort came to her during her trail, when a relationship with Kamau Sadiki, another activist  imprisoned with her, brought forth the fruit of her daughter Kakuya Shakur:

“We began to feel tender towards each other. We started feel like human beings again. We just decided that we were gonna live, we’re not going kill out right to live. So we just decided to be human beings” – Assata Shakur

Mama Assata speaks of how Brother Kamau and herself, in considering to bring life into this world, thought of their ancestors, who raised children under the repugnant conditions of plantation slavery. A reflection that was emphatically real, as she likens the experience of prison, to the very same conditions our ancestors were subjected to in slavery. It seems Mama Assata’s resolve to remain human in spite of such inhumanity was a determined one, as not even her daughter being separated from her days after giving birth, was enough to kill her spirit.

It was during her stay in one of these maximum security units, that her Grandmother came to visit her, along with many members her family. Her grandmother told the story of a dream, a premonition, a prophecy, in which Assata Shakur was free of the prison walls that contained her. She would later warn her grand-daughter, “not to get used to that place” and in the tradition of our Afrikan ancestors, her prophecy came true. After 6 years in prison, Assata Shakur, knowing that her very life was in danger as long as she remained captive, broke free of the Clinton Correctional Facility for Women. She planed her escaped, reached out to fellow activists who executed the plan with flawless brilliance in November 1979.

Mama Assata now resides in Cuba. In a powerful example of resolute will, she still considers herself a woman warrior in the liberation of Afrikan people.

To hear Mama Assata speak is a soothing experience. She emits a warmth absent in popular portrayals of Black revolutionary activists. Her dedication clearly comes from deep love for her people and herself as an Afrikan. She has used her experience in Cuba as an opportunity to continue to mature, politically, culturally and spiritually. Afrikans in Cuba have kept the Ifa tradition very much alive, and Mama Assata has found some solace in very much embracing the spiritual heritage of our Ancestors:

“I had no idea there were so many Afrikans on this Island… For the first time in my life I became acquainted with the Orisa. With Yemanja, Shango, Obatala and I felt that I was reclaiming just another piece of what was stolen from us.” – Assata Shakur

So the question remains; why, 40 years later, has the USA Government branded our Mother not only a fugitive, but a terrorist. Why is it necessary to poison the name of our 65 years young Warrior Kween in the minds of the people of the world? Where does the FBI get the impression that Mama Assata Olugbala Shakur presents a clear and imminent danger to the United Snakes of America? There are many answers to these questions, none of which lie in any train of logic provided by the US Government, the FBI or any of its agencies.

The FBI defines Terrorism as; “the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”

By this definition, “Terrorism” is not just “crime”, but pre-meditated criminal activity designed to coerce people specifically for political purposes. The “Unlawful Flight to Avoid Confinement” for which Mama Assata is charged simply does not qualify. “Flight” can in no way be considered an act of “force or violence”. Even “Murder” in and of itself can not be considered terrorism. We are clear that Mama Assata did not murder Foerester. But how ever he was killed, it is not proven nor suggested to have had anything to do with the “furtherance of political social objective”. Therefore addition to the “Top 10 Most Wanted Terrorist List” under such claims is little more than an act of extreme deception on the part of the US Government  By their OWN STANDARDS Mama Assata Shakur simply does not qualify.

So what is the reason? Well in answering this, let us first look at the examples of other Black Liberation Organisers incarcerated under the FBI seek and destroy policy. Let us look at Dhoruba Bin Wahad, Panther member who spent close to 20 years in prison under false charges. Let us look at Geronimo Ji Jaga who spent 27 years in prison (including 6 years solitary confinement) for a murder he did not commit. Let us consider Mutulu Shakur, Brother of Assata Shakur (Partner of Afeni Shakur step father of Tupac Shakur), still serving decades in prison after being targeted by the FBI. Let us consider Mumia Abu Jamal, who has spent 30 years on death row after being falsely accused of murder, before having his sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2012.

These cases show that Mama Assata is a distinctive case. While these noted freedom fighters remain(ed) Political Prisoners at the behest of the Criminal Injustice systems of the United States, undergoing lengthy appeal processes supported by world wide campaigns, Mama Assata broke the hell out of the prison. As such, she stands as monumental symbol of having defeated the system that tried to assassinate her. She is no longer subject to any of their trial proceedings, their character assassination has little effect. And while Mama Assata makes it clear that “we are not yet free”, she is not captive in the way they would have her, and they have not been able to bring their oppressive dreams of her captivity to a reality.

This is a dangerous example for a new generation of possible Afrikan freedom fighters. Mama Assata proves that this system CAN be conquered, it can be beaten and freedom is possible. European oppressors have LONG memories however, and the US authorities are still carrying out the directive of J Edgar Hoover, “We MUST stop the rise of a Black Messiah who can unify and electrify the masses of the Black people”.

Adding Mama Assata to this list should be seen as a clear attempt not only on her freedom, but her life. A sensationalised story designed to re-enflame negative sentiment towards our her, clearly gives license to any wannabe hero vigilante to assume the right of life or death over her existence. The seriousness of this act becomes even more apparent when it is considered that no evidence has been presented to suggest Assata Shakur is planning any acts of “force or violence” against the United States. The USA sends its Army to other countries in pursuit of reputed terrorists – many of whom end up dead, one way or another.

Furthermore, the fact that this act has come under the reign of the Barack Obama “The 1^st Black President”, and formally announced by Aaron Ford, a Black FBI Agent – should not be overlooked. Two supposedly powerful ‘Black’ men labelling a Black woman a terrorist before the entire world is a dangerous symbol and one that should be condemned for the disgrace that it is.

But the insidious nature of this act does not stop there. There is a sinister agenda at play. Let us be clear about the implications of Agent Fords statement; “She continues to maintain and promote her terrorist ideology. She provides anti-US government speeches, espousing the Black Liberation Army message of revolution and terrorism”.

It is necessary to be emphatically clear that by labelling Mama Assata a terrorist, the US government has simultaneously labelled all Afrikan Liberation/Black Power philosophies – Terrorist ideologies.

This is something that some Afrikan activists have been aware of for a long time. It was clear that the US government focus on “Islamic Terrorism”, was a precursor for the criminalisation Afrikan (Black) Nationalism as a whole. Soon, your Afrika Liberation Days (ALD), National Black Peoples Days Of Action and even your Kwanzaa celebrations will become known as “hubs for terrorist activity”. Soon Black organisations and leaders of Black organisations, will become the architects of a new “axis of evil”. This new “axis of evil” will require the American government to reinstitute its COINTELPRO operations, complete with HEALTHY sprinkling of Black FBI agents and Africom Army official in prominent positions for good measure.

They do this because they know; Afrikan Nationalism is the biggest threat to Euro-American (white) Supremacy in today’s world. They know that Mama Assata is a symbol of lasting success and enduring resilience in the face of continued attempts repress Afrika and her people. They know that any such symbol has the potential to inspire Afrikans around the world and when Afrikans are inspired, we speak of Afrikan Self-Determination, we speak of Afrikan Self-Reliance, We speak of FREEDOM! And when we speak of these things we revolutionise the Afrikan continent – AND WHOEVER CONTROLS AFRIKA RULES THE WORLD!

But you cant control Afrika, unless you can control the Afrikan. So Afrikans, let us not be controlled. Let us defend the LIFE & INTEGRITY of our Mother – a woman who has sacrificed so much for our freedom. Spread the word about her. Don’t become a slave to the mis-information spread through White Supremist mass media. Learn the truth and when you learn the truth, teach your children that Mama Assata represents the unconquered spirit of Afrikan Liberation. Let Black men be seen affirming the powerful revolutionary beauty of this Afrikan Woman, just as much some have been seen degrading her. Let the truth be told because we will it so. Where there is truth, justice will follow.

“We can not look at the Black Liberation Movement as something in the past… Afrikan people are still not free… If we do not take ourselves seriously-  if we do not take our movement seriously, then we will have to hang our head in shame in front of our ancestors.” –Assata Shakur

Mama Assata Olugbala Shakur, we honour and salute you. We thank you for fighting for us. We thank you for teaching us how to fight. You have remained strong and in the spirit of Afrikan reciprocity, those of us who know, will do whatever we can, from wherever we are, with whatever we have to ensure that your good name, life and legacy are defended and protected by any means necessary.

In Peace, Love & Liberation

Tafadzwa ShakaRa Mbandaka

Tendai MWARI

You can read Assata Shakur’s Autobiography for free here:

http://assatashakur.org/assataauto.pdf

Please sing the petition for the exoneration of Assata Shakur

http://www.change.org/petitions/exonerate-assata-shakur