Assata: An Autobiography

The quality of biographies and autobiographies is largely dependent upon the life lived by the individual and how the story is told. Someone could have lived a full and exciting life but tell about it in a drab, dull way. Whereas someone could have lived a mundane, boring life but narrated it in a colorful and interesting way. Assata lived a very interesting life, much different than the majority of us, and she told her story in an uncomplicated and intriguing manner. I had never heard of Assata Shakur until I saw her named mentioned in another book I was reading. Now I'm quite upset that I didn't know about her sooner or that I hadn't read her story when I was younger. Assata's simple yet powerful story of her life in New York as a young woman searching for a way to best serve her people is amazing. I absolutely love her toughness, her mindset and her ability to think for herself. Although she joined the Black Panther Party she was not hesitant to point out its flaws and what they needed to do to improve. She took a critical thinking approach to everything she did though her actions weren't completely devoid of emotion. What happened to her as an adult is eerily similar to what happened to so many other freedom fighters/Black activists in the 60's and 70's: they were either killed or imprisoned. Fortunately, she wasn't killed though it wasn't for lack of trying. That night of May 2, 1973 had death sentence written all over it. But she survived and fought one legal battle after the next until the system finally succeeded in putting her away. It was a matter of: "we have the resources and the means and you do not." Assata was an amazing woman and it literally radiates from the pages. And she tells her story in a straightforward way. She's not trying to exhibit how much she knows or even how much she's done. It is not a verbose book with $10 words in there to wow the reader. It is a simple no-nonsense telling of what her life was like in the Black urban areas of New York as a child, how she became the pro-Black woman she became and how a system of institutionalized racism ran her over with their 20 ton train. She conspicuously and wisely omits a lot of names and details when it comes to some of her movements and meetings during her Panther days and, of course, of her escape from prison. Still, you learn all you need to know about Assata and the powers that she was up against. But she named herself Assata Olugbala Shakur for a reason: "Assata means 'She who struggles,' Olugbala means 'Love for the people,' ...Shakur means 'the thankful.'" I would say that she embodied all of that and I'M thankful she lived the life she lived, told the story she told and I'm thankful I got a chance to read and appreciate it.

Written more than 30 years ago, it is a travesty how topical and timely Ms. Sharkur's words seem in 2015. The fact that this woman is on the FBI's list of most wanted "terrorists" is truly disgusting; the evil of the illegal, inhumane, and cruel treatment she endured while wrongfully imprisoned and given "trial" reaches beyond any skill I have with language to describe. Ms. Angela Davis is wise to point out to the reader in the foreword that Ms. Shakur truly does gloss over the depravity of what was inflicted upon her. It is clear that she did not write this to say "look at what they did to me." It is so much more than Ms. Shakur laying out the clear-as-day facts that outline her innocence. There is of course a (justified) level of response to the smear-campaign waged against her, and statements that begin to hint at the level of hell she endured, but it is so much more. In the text she discusses the necessity of learning the history and heroes of a people to be aligned with their struggle in relation to her own education about Puerto Ricans. I see her choice to detail her childhood just as much, if not more, than her experience as a young adult revolutionary or as a political prisoner as an incredible opportunity to accept the gift of a contextual historical education of a heroine of this struggle, to feel the lifelong pain of this beautiful woman, and to see her prevail. I also deeply appreciated her willingness to critique the BPP's adherence to dogma and its patriarchy. I could write pages about all of the things to which Ms. Shakur opened my eyes. I am so glad that I was compelled to buy and read this book. I read it in two days, I could hardly put it down. Do not believe the lies. Do the research. Assata Olugbala Shakur does not hate white people; she loves Black people. Assata Olugbala Shakur is not a bank-robber or a cop-killer. Assata Olugbala Shakur is a force for the common good of all human beings. "I was in communion with all the forces on the earth that truly love people, in communion with all the revolutionary forces on the earth."

This is a book for our times. The question being do we ever really know the truth ? And more so is there really freedom for everyone . Riveting and brutally honest about a time more people need to know! Get it

As controversial as she was, I wanted to learn through her own words about her trials and tribulations. I was intrigued by the foreword and captivated page after page by what Assata had to say. One of my favorite autobiographies I have read thus far, definitely recommend!

I first read Assata in high-school. Now over two decades later, i read it with new eyes, more experienced eyes. Read it again, share it with your children, let her live on. Carry it on.

Excellent household product of the people for the price and quality durability.

The author’s life story presents a poignant critique of American society, rooted in her personal experiences and historical analysis. Her narrative illuminates the systemic oppression faced by African Americans and the mechanisms used to perpetuate it. One striking example is found on page 116, where she provides evidence of how enslaved African Americans were encouraged to direct their frustrations and suffering toward one another rather than their oppressors. This manipulation served to maintain the status quo and suppress rebellion, a chilling reminder of the calculated cruelty of the system of slavery. Reading her story makes it evident that the flaws of the American justice system have remained consistent from its inception to the present day. Her detailed examination highlights the persistent inequities and systemic biases that continue to plague the judicial system. A particularly compelling argument she makes is that the Civil War, often portrayed as a moral crusade to end slavery, was in fact driven by economics and capitalism. She asserts that the free states had significant economic advantages over slave states, making the war less about moral principles and more about competing economic systems. This perspective challenges traditional narratives and invites readers to reconsider the true motivations behind historical events. Her critique of the education system in the 1960s remains relevant today. She observes that many principals and teachers were caught up in bureaucratic red tape, which stifled meaningful education and progress. This insight continues to resonate, as many educators today still grapple with similar institutional barriers. The author also sheds light on the role of grassroots organizations in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. She highlights how these groups, often born out of necessity, provided essential services that the government failed to deliver. However, she also reveals the extent to which those in power went to undermine and destroy organizations like the Black Panther Party. Her analysis of the inner workings of the Black Panther Party offers invaluable insights into the organization’s rise and eventual downfall. Despite its many strengths, the book does have some notable weaknesses. It lacks sufficient detail about key moments, such as her arrest on the New Jersey Turnpike, her journey with her daughter, and the specifics of how she ultimately fled to Cuba. These omissions leave readers wanting more clarity and depth in understanding her personal struggles during these critical periods. Overall, this book offers a powerful blend of historical analysis, personal narrative, and critical insights. It challenges conventional perspectives, sheds light on systemic injustices, and highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of marginalized communities. While it leaves some gaps in key moments of the author’s journey, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of race, justice, and activism in America.

Negroes, Sweet and docile, Meek, humble and kind: Beware the day They change their mind! Wind In the cotton fields, Gentle Breeze: Beware the hour It uproots trees! Langston Hughes

Bien

Such a great book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Assata’s life from childhood to an adult. Most of us are aware of how much the police and system in America continually oppress minorities. But it will always be an eye opener when it was so overt in the past and how people were treated and how so much people have overcome. I’ve recommended this book to all my friends and want to also buy the hard copy.

The book exposes the unjust socio-economic and political system of the USA and how you can be framed by the institutions that are suppose to protect you. I recommand this book to everybody. Some very detail information such as the escape are left out. I gues it was not included to protec certain individual that helped her. The book was written in the late 1980s, so it is understandable that it would have given the FBI a hint. I recommand this book to anybody and especially to women.

All hail the Queen. A legendary read for a reason. Easy to follow and a harrowing tale.

She delves too much into her life as a kid making it tedious and barely mentions how she did get involved in guerrilla, her version about what happened in the shooting, how she escaped to Cuba. I understand she doesn’t want to talk about the most critica aspects of her life because of the implications but missing those parts makes it cherry picking and not entirely honest. There are many biographies of other revolutunaries (A. Davis, f.e.) which are way better in so many ways.