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.

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.

They don’t teach us about women like her in school. An inspiring and eye opening book.

All Sisters should model themselves in some way or fashion after Assata Shakur!

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.

A truly amazing story of struggle and revolution in the US that continues today. Thoroughly enlightening and deeply personal. Not to mention the included poems, which will surely move you.