Assata Shakur is an African American activist and former member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. Born on July 16, 1947, in New York City, she became known for her involvement in civil rights activism during the 1960s and 1970s. Shakur was charged with several crimes, including the murder of a New Jersey state trooper, which she denied. In 1979, Shakur escaped from prison and sought asylum in Cuba, where she has lived since. She is considered a symbol of resistance for many and is on the FBI's list of Most Wanted Terrorists. Her life and legacy continue to inspire discussions about race, justice, and activism.