Tupac Shakur’s Godmother Assata Dies at Age 78, Her Daughter Confirms

Tupac Shakur’s Godmother Assata passes away at 78, as confirmed by her daughter

Assata Shakur, known as Tupac Shakur’s godmother, has passed away at the age of 78. The news was first shared on social media by Assata’s daughter, Kakuya, before being confirmed by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by various sources.

Assata Shakur died in Cuba, where she had sought political asylum from Fidel Castro after fleeing the United States following her conviction in connection with the 1973 murder of a New Jersey state police officer. Assata, originally born JoAnne Deborah Byron and also known as Joanne Chesimard, was a prominent member of the Black Liberation Army.

In May 1973, Assata and two other members of the Black Liberation Army were involved in a confrontation on the New Jersey Turnpike with Trooper Werner Foerster, leading to a fatal shooting. Assata was charged and convicted of first-degree murder but managed to escape from prison in 1979 with the help of fellow Black Liberation Army members, resurfacing in Cuba in 1984 where she was granted asylum by Castro.

Despite ongoing efforts by authorities in New Jersey to extradite her, Assata remained in Cuba for the rest of her life. The circumstances surrounding her passing were not detailed by Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with reports citing only “health conditions and advanced age” as contributing factors to her death.

Assata’s autobiography, simply titled Assata, was released in 1987 and later reissued in 2001. Despite her conviction, Assata continued to maintain her innocence in the murder of Trooper Foerster, asserting that she was not the individual who had wielded the gun or pulled the trigger.

Over the years, Assata became a symbol of resistance and resilience for many, particularly within certain circles of the hip hop community. She was even referenced in various songs and works by artists such as Public Enemy, Digable Planets, and Common.

Assata leaves behind her daughter, Kakuya, whose father is Fred Hilton. The controversy and intrigue surrounding Assata Shakur’s life and legacy have made her a figure of both fascination and admiration for many, sparking debates about activism, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

The passing of Assata Shakur marks the end of a chapter in a tumultuous and eventful life, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered and celebrated by those who were inspired by her courage and determination.