Assata: An Autobiography Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. Long a target of J. Edgar Hoover's campaign to defame, infiltrate, and criminalize Black nationalist organizations and their leaders, Shakur was incarcerated for four years prior to her conviction on flimsy evidence in 1977 as an accomplice to murder. This intensely personal and political autobiography belies the fearsome image of JoAnne Chesimard long projected by the media and the state. With wit and candor, Assata Shakur recounts the experiences that led her to a life of activism and portrays the strengths, weaknesses, and eventual demise of Black and White revolutionary groups at the hand of government officials. The result is a signal contribution to the literature about growing up Black in America that has already taken its place alongside The Autobiography of Malcolm X and the works of Maya Angelou. Two years after her conviction, Assata Shakur escaped from prison. She was given political asylum by Cuba, where she now resides.
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books (November 1, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1556520743
ISBN-13: 978-1556520747
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (239 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #4,378 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #13 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Specific Demographics > Ethnic Studies #22 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Specific Groups > Crime & Criminals #26 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > African-American & Black
Assata, is an autobiography that travels at a fast pace and it's hard to put down because you will truly anticipate the conclusion.The book Assata gives great insight into the role that women played in the Black Panther Party and contrary to popular belief the women did not take the back seat.The book is a journey through Assata's life. As a child she lived with her mother in New York and came down South (Wilmington, North Carolina to be exact) to visit her grandparents in the summer.In Wilmington--home of the "Wilmington 10" and an 1898 coup d'etat(if you don't know about these events please ask somebody)--she got a first hand view of segregation. It is my opinion that her experiences as a child down South made her aware of the struggle of Black people.She went through various rebellious phases as a young adult and eventually found her way to the Black Panther Party. From this point forward you begin to see through the eyes of a comrade in th! is movement.The book deals with her expereinces with COINTELPRO (the U.S. counterintelligence program created to destablize certain civil rights organizations, particularly the BPP) to an incident on a New Jersey turnpike that leaves two highway patrolmen dead.Although she was sentenced to life in prison, she now resides in Cuba. To find out how she wound up there, I guess you will have to read the book.Among other reasons, this book continues to be timely and relevant because Assata continues to be a war cry for supporters of tightened sanctions against "Castro's Cuba".
The autobiography of Assata Shakur ranks among the top of the list of books that citizens of the United States should read. This book shows the development of a young girl victimized by racism and sexism in the Jim Crow South and the "liberal" north into a warrior and freedom fighter. This book provides the reader with a living, breathing example of what happened to the victims of COINTELPRO. The story of her life, struggle, sacrifices, and victory should be as important as The Autobiography of Malcolm X in terms of its affect on future generations. This is a must read for ANYONE interested in understanding the Black Panthers, COINTELPRO, or the dual oppression of being a woman of African descent in the United States.
The book is truly amazing. After reading it you should feel very enlightened (if not already) about the truths of the United States. Assata Shakur went through alot of things as to so many other black leader just for us. I'm a young black girl and I love Assata honestly with my whole heart. The book is tuly excellent I never wanted to put it down. I encourage everyone of every race to read it and to be open minded to the fact that its real. Just read it in the fact that if you have ever been in pain, Assata understands.
I felt compelled to write this letter, because this book is how black people in amerika really struggled back in the the late 60's early 70's. As a black young female, I feel our youth today has no idea half of the drama that our ancestors went through. We need to take the time with our children and read the stories of yester year. It may seem harsh at first, but then when they realize the struggles from the past they will appreciate where they are now. I am so glad I read this book. If it wasn't for the brother Common, showing me the light, I don't think I would have ever heard of Assata Shakur. That's what we need, more youth sharing our history; good and bad. We need to look at our for ourselves. Don't be like me at 24 and just now starting to get into my true roots. But better late than never. Peace and blessing.#
This book really touched me. Assata takes you through life as she experienced it. She's shows us how the "American-Dream" can really be the "American-Nightmare!" I admire the strength in this woman. I feel her pain and understand her struggle. This book is a must read. I read this book when I was 21. I am now 23. Since then I've had my 14 year old sister read it as well as my 17 year old sister. Assata, has inspired me in more ways than she will ever know. I am a published author with my own publishing company, but I truly believe Assata helped inspire me to fight for what I believe in. This is a book the whole world should read! Not only should it be read; it should be studied and understood! Assata is a great, strong, inspiring woman. I can only hope I'm lucky enough to meet her one day... God willing, I will!
this book was an inspiration, a must read for anyone interested in the last great wave of revolutionary activity in the us. assata sees revolution as emanating from the pulse & soul of the community, not from leaders at the top or from some revolutionary catechism. i hope to be able to meet & pay my respects to her in cuba one day. i also hope she'll one day be able to return to a liberated united states. peace.
Assata opened my mind, heart and level of consciousness. While reading her story, I felt as though I had been transported through time and was experiencing every taunt, kick, ache and passion that she described. Her story is one that should be shared and discussed and I for one am grateful to have experienced her tale.
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