homenaje para assata

RFPP—Homenaje for Assata

Reposted from Common’s Instagram account:

I was about 23 when someone gave me Assata Shakur’s autobiography. As I read it, I encountered the words and life of a woman who would become one of the greatest heroes I’ve ever known. The way she wrote was poetic, and the sacrifices she made for her people carried the weight of a savior.

I read the book several times and often gave it as a gift to friends I felt truly deserved it. Two years later, I gave my daughter her middle name. Two years after that, I met Assata in person and came to know this beautiful queen who lived one of the most powerful and inspiring lives, but who also loved The Roots and Black Star. She felt like an aunt and a friend, even as I knew she was my hero—and she remains one of my greatest heroes to this day.

God bless your soul, Assata Shakur. What you gave and continue to give is a gift to your people, and it changed the world. I will love you forever.