Accused Quote by Assata Shakur
“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. The alleged crimes in which only men were supposedly involved, i have been accused of planning. They have plastered pictures alleged to be me in post offices, airports, hotels, police cars, subways, banks, television, and newspapers. They have offered . rewards for my capture and they have issued orders to shoot on sight and shoot to kill.”
About This Quote
A Black revolutionary woman describes systemic persecution, false accusations, and violent targeting by authorities, reflecting broader oppression of dissenting Black women.
In simple terms: State-sponsored vilification of a Black activist.
Key Takeaway
Powerful illustration of gendered and racialized state repression.
Themes
Racism
Gender oppression
Political repression
Surveillance
State violence
Mood
Defiant
Urgent
Angry
Type
Testimonial
Political statement
Historical account
When to use this quote
- Activist under state surveillance
- Black woman facing false charges
- Public figure targeted by propaganda
- Community confronting police aggression
Key Concepts
Criminalization of dissent
Media manipulation
Targeted intimidation
Legal injustice
Practical Applications
- Human rights advocacy
- Legal defense strategies
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this account reshape our understanding of state power?
- What mechanisms can protect activists from similar persecution?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that such narratives may be exaggerated, but documented evidence supports systemic targeting of Black activists.
