Assata: An Autobiography, Edition 2

Assata Shakur

Feb 2016 · Zed Books Ltd.

About this ebook

'Deftly written...a spellbinding tale.'
The New York Times

In 2013 Assata Shakur, founding member of the Black Liberation Army, former Black Panther and godmother of Tupac Shakur, became the first ever woman to make the FBI's most wanted terrorist list.

Assata Shakur's trial and conviction for the murder of a white state trooper in the spring of 1973 divided America. Her case quickly became emblematic of race relations and police brutality in the USA. While Assata's detractors continue to label her a ruthless killer, her defenders cite her as the victim of a systematic, racist campaign to criminalize and suppress black nationalist organizations.

This intensely personal and political autobiography reveals a sensitive and gifted woman. With wit and candour Assata recounts the formative experiences that led her to embrace a life of activism. With pained awareness she portrays the strengths, weaknesses and eventual demise of black and white revolutionary groups at the hands of the state. A major contribution to the history of black liberation, destined to take its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou.

Ratings and reviews

An interesting insight into police corruption on all levels, black empowerment and an inside look into the black panther movement. Will read it over and over and continue to recommend people to read this book. I wish I could meet her

This autobiography is the best one I have read in a long time. This book is inspirational, educational and took me on a journey that is a long time coming. I appreciated the poems that summarized each chapter so perfectly and the pictures those "real" words evoked and the feelings that sprang up and choked me. I felt like I was personally there. I will definitely share this knowledge.

Game changer. 5* . Still Digesting. No words ...

About the author

Assata Shakur is the FBI's most wanted woman. A former member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army, in 1979 she escaped from prison, was granted asylum in Cuba, and has been a fugitive ever since.