The Chicago Teachers Union sparked controversy by honoring Assata Shakur, a woman convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper in the 1970s.

According to Breitbart, the union posted a tribute on social media Friday celebrating Shakur as a "revolutionary fighter" and "revered elder of Black liberation." Shakur, born Joanne Deborah Chesimard, died Thursday in Havana, Cuba, where she had lived in exile since the early 1980s.

The tribute included a quote attributed to Shakur about fighting for freedom and supporting one another. The post described her as a fierce writer and leader whose spirit continues in ongoing struggles for liberation.

Deadly 1973 Shootout With Police

Shakur's criminal history stems from a violent 1973 traffic stop in New Jersey. She and two companions engaged in a shootout with state police troopers during the incident.

The confrontation left Trooper Werner Foerster dead and another officer wounded. Foerster was shot execution-style during the violent encounter, according to the report.

Authorities had sought Shakur on several felony charges at the time of the traffic stop. She initially fled the scene but was later captured and brought to trial.

Conviction, Escape, and Exile

A jury found Shakur guilty of murder and other crimes related to the trooper's death. She received a life sentence for her role in the killing.

In 1979, Shakur escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility for women in a dramatic breakout. Members of the Black Liberation Army, disguised as visitors, stormed the prison, took two guards hostage, and commandeered a van to free her.

Shakur resurfaced in Cuba in the early 1980s after fleeing the United States. Communist dictator Fidel Castro granted her political asylum, where she remained until her death.

Controversial Legacy and Political Tensions

Shakur's case remained a contentious issue in relations between the United States and Cuba for decades. American authorities, including President Donald Trump during his first term, repeatedly demanded her return from the communist nation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation had listed Shakur on its "most wanted" terrorists list. Her death due to health issues and advanced age ended the long-standing diplomatic dispute over her extradition.

Shakur's influence extended beyond her criminal case into activist movements. In 2021, an Indiana University department referred to her as a "social activist" and encouraged students to read her book.

Why This Story Matters

This story is crucial for our community because it highlights the complex intersection of activism, crime, and justice. It raises questions about how historical figures are remembered and whether glorifying controversial individuals undermines the pain of victims, such as the family of Werner Foerster.

Moreover, it underscores the ongoing tensions between personal ideologies and public institutions like unions, prompting us to reflect on the messages we endorse.

Reflecting on a Polarizing Legacy

In conclusion, the Chicago Teachers Union’s tribute to Assata Shakur, who died Thursday in Havana, Cuba, has reopened old wounds tied to her 1973 murder conviction of a New Jersey trooper, her 1979 prison escape, and her asylum in Cuba under Fidel Castro’s regime.