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ASSATA SHAKUR was a political prisoner who now lives in exile in Cuba. Assata was a leader in both the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army; indeed she was called the "The Soul of the B.L.A." Because of her role in both these organizations, she was targeted by the FBI. In 1971, together with Zayd Shakur and Sundiata Acoli, Assata was driving along the New Jersey Turnpike, when the three were ambushed by state troopers. Assata was wounded, as was Sundiata, and Zayd was killed. A trooper was killed as well. Assata was convicted of murder in what was, at worst, a case of self-defense. Eight years later, she was liberated from a New Jersey prison and to this day continues to fight for the human rights and self-determination of Black people.
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