“The rulers of this country have always considered their property more important than our lives.”

—  Assata Shakur

Source: Assata: An Autobiography

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Assata Shakur photo
Assata Shakur 35
American activist who was a member of the Black Panther Par… 1947

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“They call us murderers, but we did not murder over two hundred fifty unarmed Black men, women, and children, or wound thousands of others in the riots they provoked during the sixties. The rulers of this country have always considered their property more important than our lives. They call us murderers, but we were not responsible for the twenty-eight brother inmates and nine hostages murdered at attica. They call us murderers, but we did not murder and wound over thirty unarmed Black students at Jackson State—or Southern State, either.”

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“I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.”

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“I would say that the feminine values are now the values of America; sensitivity is more important than truth; feelings are more important than facts; commitment is more important than individuality; children are more important than people; safety is more important than fun. I always hear women say, "Y'know, married men live longer." Uh, yes, and an indoor cat… also… lives longer. It's a fur-ball with a broken spirit that can only look out on a world it will never enjoy, but it does, technically, live longer.”

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