Assata Shakur, the renowned figure of Black liberation and former member of the Black Liberation Army, has died at the age of 78 in Havana, Cuba. Her passing on September 25, 2025, was confirmed by Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which cited old age and health conditions as the cause of death.
Shakur’s daughter, Kakuya Shakur, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, stating, “At approximately 1:15pm on September 25th, my mother, Assata Shakur, took her last earthly breath. Words cannot describe the depth of loss that I’m feeling at this time.”
Born JoAnne Deborah Byron on July 16, 1947, in Queens, New York, Shakur’s life journey began in a racially segregated America. After dropping out of high school, she returned to New York, where her political awakening began following discussions on communism and the Vietnam War in 1964. Her activism flourished in the 1960s as she became involved with the Golden Drums society, advocating for Black studies.
In 1971, she adopted the name Assata Olugbala Shakur, meaning “she who struggles,” and became a prominent figure in the fight for Black freedom. Shakur was recognized for her contributions to the Black Panther Party and later joined the Black Liberation Army, advocating for armed resistance against oppression.
On May 2, 1973, Shakur was involved in a traffic stop that escalated into a deadly confrontation, leading to her conviction for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper. After serving time, she escaped from prison in 1979 with the help of supporters and was granted asylum in Cuba, where she lived for decades.
Shakur’s legacy has been deeply influential, inspiring racial justice movements and becoming a symbol of resistance. In 2013, she became the first woman to be placed on the FBI’s most-wanted terrorists list, a testament to her polarizing figure in American history.
Her life, marked by struggle and resilience, will be remembered as a significant chapter in the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Assata Shakur’s passing is a profound loss for many who viewed her as a beacon of hope and a voice for the oppressed.
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