The PSL in New York City released the following statement.
There is a greater danger than ever to the life of Assata Shakur, a revolutionary and Black liberation hero now living in exile in Cuba. This year, the U.S. government raised the bounty on her head to $2 million, making clear their intent to capture or even kill her. They even outrageously put her on the “Most Wanted Terrorist” list as a way to scare her supporters, and apply pressure against socialist Cuba.
Assata is no terrorist! She has given her whole life to fight for Black, poor and other oppressed people.
She was targeted in the 1970s as part of the government’s vicious attack on the Black liberation movement and the Black Panther Party.
In this repressive campaign, Assata was shot and nearly killed by New Jersey state troopers. She beat six false charges before they finally framed her for murder. In 1979, she escaped from prison.
The government wants to destroy Assata as a symbol of resistance. They look at her the way the slave-masters used to look at escaped slaves. That is why we must stand with her now.
Assata Shakur is not an official mayoral candidate, but because the threats against her are so grave, we are encouraging everyone to write in her name for this year’s mayoral election.
This is a way to show the government that we embrace Assata, that an attack on her is an attack on all of us! We say ‘Hands Off — Stop Targeting Assata!’
Assata 66, is a native New Yorker and CUNY graduate, born in Jamaica, Queens. She grew up — as most women of color still do — fighting racism, sexism, poverty and police harassment. She better represents the city’s poor and working class population than the slick-talking capitalist politicians of the Republicans and Democrats, who never deliver real change.
Hands Off Assata!
Groups endorsing this write-in effort include (list in formation): Party for Socialism and Liberation, People’s Survival Program, People’s Power Movement, Association Pro Inmates Rights Ñeta of NYS
