Assata Shakur, Black Panther icon and revolutionary symbol, dies at 78
Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army and former member of the Black Panther Party, passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 78. Her life and activism left a lasting mark on revolutionary movements, particularly within hip-hop culture, where she remains a symbol of resistance against systemic oppression.
Born Joanne Chesimard, Shakur became an active voice in the fight for Black liberation during the 1970s. In 1973, she was involved in a shootout with New Jersey State Troopers, which resulted in the death of one officer and injuries to another. Four years later, she was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison, plus an additional 26 to 33 years.
Shakur’s impact endures through music and activism, shaping generations of artists who see her as a revolutionary figure. Her story remains intertwined with hip-hop’s roots, reflecting its connection to movements like the Black Panther Party and the ongoing struggle against oppression.
