Assata: An Autobiography

What were some prejudiced ideas about Black people that Shakur grew up believing? How did she come to unlearn these ideas and translate those beliefs to greater social and political struggle?

What is the role of Shakur’s family in her political development from childhood to adulthood? How does Evelyn support her as both an aunt and an attorney, and how do these roles inform (or conflict with) one another?

How does Shakur’s account of her childhood and adolescent years inform the development of her political beliefs and actions in her adulthood? Why is the narration of these early beginnings important to understanding her current political stance?

Before Shakur became a member of the Black Liberation Army, what were three early acts of resistance that informed her attitude toward injustice? How did these lessons translate to her political strategy?

Shakur once declared, “I am a Black revolutionary woman, and because of this i have been charged with and accused of every alleged crime in which a woman was believed to have participated” (50). How has her treatment in the US court system and in incarceration exemplified this statement?

How does Shakur’s perspective on her involvement in political organizing and later criminal accusations compare to her public portrayal?

Who were three main allies in Shakur’s struggle to gain her freedom from the numerous criminal accusations against her? What major contributions did these allies make in the fight to assert her innocence?

During her time with the Black Panther Party, Shakur had several critiques of the Black revolutionary group. What were her main critiques? How did these critiques shape the development of her political strategy for liberation?