The Life and Legacy of Assata Shakur from the Inside
Incarcerated activist, Tomas S. Afeworki reflects on the passing of world famous revolutionary Assata Shakur.
by: Tomas S. Afeworki
“for all those that have been locked by the lawless, handcuffed by the haters, caged by the greedy... a wall is just a wall and nothing more at all, it can be broken down.”
Blessings,
As y’all know, on September 25, 2025 Assata Shakure ascended to be with our ancestors, but we will never forget who she was, what she represented and how she lived.
She exhibited the genetic imprint of our ancestors; her spirit is that of the warrior Queen lineage of Candace. She fought for our freedom with courage and valor, teaching unity and self determination, awaiting the day we open our minds to recognize our true purpose, in order to live in Harmony with the natural order of life.
On a personal note when I was at trial, mentally struggling, fighting against this corrupted judicial system, it was Assata that gave, and continues to give, me strength.
Reading her autobiography, I cheered when she won back to back cases representing herself. I was disgusted at how they tried to break her: framing her for murder, kidnapping her, cuffing her to the hospital bed, squeezing the leg chains so tight her legs swelled up, poking, probing, punching, assaulting, tutoring her, how the New Jersey police killed her lawyer and stole legal documents that would have exonerated her.
I related to her plight when I learned the judge was acting in concert with the corrupt prosecutor to wrongfully convict her, and I was tearfully motivated and amazed how she remained defiant even then she spoke to us, saying:
“for all those that have been locked by the lawless, handcuffed by the haters, caged by the greedy... a wall is just a wall and nothing more at all, it can be broken down.”
Assata did just that. Escaping those plantation walls, she found safe refuge in Cuba, where she worked diligently as a U.N. representative, documenting human rights violations against Black people in the U.S.
While we’ve looked to false prophets and hollow promises that have produced epic failures, stagnating our movement for justice and equality, Assata reminded us the answer has always resided in us. Hoping we unify, she implored us to fight for freedom, stating:
“It is our duty to fight for freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”
As we see the rise of fascism, let’s continue to heed her words. In her honor let’s unify, continue the work, win the small challenges, then the bigger battles, and ultimately we will build a more harmonious society, one that she would be proud of..
1 L.U.V. (Loyalty + Unity = Victory)
Tomas S. Afeworki is a Pan-Afriqan illustrator and human rights activist focused on the social and political protection of the diaspora. Through grass roots organizations, community celebrations and legislative summits, he aims to unify a coalition for freedom and is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s quote, “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere.”
Afeworki maintains that he has been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for a crime he did not commit and is actively fighting for his freedom.
Following in the steps of leaders that inspire his purpose like Nelson Mandela, George Jackson, and Assata Shakur, he seeks justice for himself and his fellow bothers and sisters that have been victimized by a corrupt judicial system.
To learn more about Tomas S. Afeworki and support his exoneration please visit: www.FreeTomas.com