Assata Shakur is considered a leader in the civil rights movement because of her unique and strong voice in activism. In the Black Panther Party, she implemented community programs designed to eradicate racist practices. Her commitment to revolutionary socialism and challenging systemic oppression shed light on the connection between race, gender, and class struggle. Assata (born JoAnne Deborah Byron) was a major contribution to the pursuit of civil and human rights and thus should be recognized as a leader in American history. From childhood to adult years as a high ranking member of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and eventually the Black Liberation Army (BLA), Assata’s continuous involvement in the struggle for the liberation of her African descendants leaves no doubt of her dedication.
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Her mother, who was a teacher, grandparents and aunt Evelyn A. Williams, who were all active in civil rights work, taught Assata a sense of justice and the necessity for activism. By 20, Assata became actively involved in sit-ins, civil rights demonstrations and anti-Vietnam War activities. Assata was first arrested with 100 others who chained themselves to a building to protest the lack of diversity, especially when it came to Black faculty and Black studies programs. Even before she became a civil rights leader, Assata recognized and addressed the racial inequalities within the educational system.
Upon her return to New York City, Assata became a leader in the BPP in Harlem. She was responsible for multiple different community coordinated programs including the Free Breakfast for Children which the Panthers established to address the social injustices and needs of the Black community as well as provide meals that would support underprivileged black children. This program provided nutrition where otherwise there was none and was a major undertaking of the BPP in fighting against systemic poverty and racial
Her mother, who was a teacher, grandparents and aunt Evelyn A. Williams, who were all active in civil rights work, taught Assata a sense of justice and the necessity for activism. By 20, Assata became actively involved in sit-ins, civil rights demonstrations and anti-Vietnam War activities. Assata was first arrested with 100 others who chained themselves to a building to protest the lack of diversity, especially when it came to Black faculty and Black studies programs. Even before she became a civil rights leader, Assata recognized and addressed the racial inequalities within the educational system.
Upon her return to New York City, Assata became a leader in the BPP in Harlem. She was responsible for multiple different community coordinated programs including the Free Breakfast for Children which the Panthers established to address the social injustices and needs of the Black community as well as provide meals that would support underprivileged black children. This program provided nutrition where otherwise there was none and was a major undertaking of the BPP in fighting against systemic poverty and racial