Politics
Assata Shakur Supporters Fight for Her Exoneration
Supporters of Assata Shakur say evidence shows she is innocent of murder. (Courtesy of ipowerrichmond.com)
by Barrington M. Salmon
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer
When President Barack Obama announced his intention to normalize relations with longtime nemesis Cuba, it wasn’t long before questions began to swirl about the fate of Assata Shakur.
Shakur, 67, the aunt and godmother of Tupac Shakur, has been a fugitive since 1979 and was spirited to Cuba where she has lived in exile since 1984. She’s sought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for her alleged involvement in the shooting death of a New Jersey state trooper in 1973. In May 2013, the FBI placed a $10 million bounty on her head and added Shakur to their Terrorist Most Wanted List.
Convicted of murder in 1977 after five trials, Shakur – a member of the Black Panther Party and activist from in her 20s – was given a life sentence but and escaped while waiting for the appeal process to take its course.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister for North America affairs Josefina Vidal, said Cuba will not return Shakur following public requests by 2016 presumptive presidential candidate and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie, the FBI and acting state Attorney General John Hoffman.
“We’ve explained to the U.S. government in the past that there are some people living in Cuba to whom Cuba has legitimately granted political asylum,” said Vidal, citing the absence of an extradition treaty between the U.S. and Cuba.
Nkechi Taifa, a local attorney and longtime activist, said blacks who embrace the concepts of fairness and equality shouldn’t shy away from speaking up and advocating on Shakur’s behalf adding that Shakur’s case must be looked at against the backdrop of COINTELPRO, an FBI-sponsored program created and executed by J. Edgar Hoover.
“They wanted to stop the rise of a Messiah to unify black masses. The FBI was told to be very creative and come up with solutions to destroy you and your families. They sowed distrust, monitored families and spread widespread information of the day,” Taifa said.
Shakur, and members of the Black Liberation Army, got into a shootout with officers on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973. State Trooper Werner Foerster died as did one of the revolutionaries. In 1977, a jury convicted Shakur of first degree murder for being an accomplice in Foerster’s killing, among other charges. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison despite Foerster’s partner’s admission that he lied in a police report when he said Shakur opened fire on Foerster. Like Michael Brown, forensic evidence showed that Shakur had her arms raised when she was shot.
Shakur’s lawyer Lennox Hinds and Angela Davis appeared on Democracy Now to denounce Shakur’s addition to the FBI list. Davis referred to the FBI’s actions as politically motivated.
“It seems to me that this act incorporates or reflects the very logic of terrorism,” she said. “I can’t help but think that it’s designed to frighten people who are involved in struggles today. Forty years ago seems like it was a long time ago. In the beginning of the 21st century, we’re still fighting around the very same issues – police violence, healthcare, education and people in prison.”
Hinds, a professor of criminal justice at Rutgers University in New Jersey, castigated the FBI and New Jersey authorities.
“This is a political act pushed by the state of New Jersey, by some members of Congress from Miami, and with the intent of putting pressure on the Cuban government and to inflame public opinion,” said Hinds, who has represented Shakur since 1973. “There is no way to appeal someone being put on the terrorists list.”
Noted author and lecturer Dr. Gerald Horne said the Cuban authorities should maintain their posture of not returning Shakur. The Castro government has argued that there are several men who committed acts of terror against the government and its people who the U.S. refuses to return. And as Hinds added, the Cuban government also maintains that if political exiles in the island nation are allowed to return, they would likely be subjected to racial and political repression.
Horne, author of more than 30 books, said Shakur should remain vigilant.
“We can’t rule out kidnapping. We can’t rule that out at all even though it would complicate U.S.-Cuba relations to detriment of the U.S.,” he said.
Bay Area
Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul to Clarify Roles in City Government, Increase Accountability and Improve Service Delivery
Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
By Oakland Post Staff
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is backing a sweeping proposal to restructure Oakland’s government, arguing the changes would make City Hall more accountable and improve the delivery of basic services like public safety, homelessness response, and infrastructure repairs.
The charter reform measure, introduced April 7 and co-sponsored by Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, would ask voters in November to approve a “strong mayor, strong council” system designed to create clearer lines of authority inside city government.
Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
The City Council, meanwhile, would maintain legislative authority by adopting ordinances, approving budgets, conducting oversight hearings, and confirming key mayoral appointments. The proposal would also create an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst Office to provide nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis for councilmembers.
“I’ve spent months listening to Oaklanders across every neighborhood about what they expect from their city government,” Lee said. “The Charter Reform Working Group’s engagement made clear that residents want a system where there are no questions about who is responsible for delivering results on public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and basic services.”
Jenkins said the proposal would strengthen both executive leadership and council oversight.
“I’ve long believed Oakland works best when residents have clear lines of accountability and a government structure that aligns responsibility with results,” Jenkins said.
The proposal follows recommendations from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group, co-facilitated by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and SPUR.
Over five months, the group conducted more than 60 interviews, held 14 public meetings across Oakland, and engaged more than 750 residents while reviewing governance models used in other cities.
“The process of engaging residents across Oakland surfaced the governance clarity Oakland needs,” said Sujata Srivastava of SPUR. “The Charter Reform Working Group has produced a thoughtful set of recommendations that if adopted could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across city government.”
Polling cited by the mayor’s office suggests voters may be open to the changes. A February 2026 poll by the East Bay Polling Institute found 64% of voters support adopting a strong-mayor system. Separate polling conducted by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and David Binder Research found support ranging from 61% to 63% among likely voters.
The measure is scheduled to be heard by the City Council Rules Committee on May 21. If approved by the council, it would appear on the November 2026 ballot, where Oakland voters would have the final say.
Activism
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento
A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.
The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.
Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.
Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.
“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”
The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).
Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.
A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.
“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.
Activism
Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.
The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.
“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”
The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.
Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.
“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.
A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.
Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.
The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.
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Politics
Assata Shakur Supporters Fight for Her Exoneration
Supporters of Assata Shakur say evidence shows she is innocent of murder. (Courtesy of ipowerrichmond.com)
by Barrington M. Salmon
Special to the NNPA from The Washington Informer
When President Barack Obama announced his intention to normalize relations with longtime nemesis Cuba, it wasn’t long before questions began to swirl about the fate of Assata Shakur.
Shakur, 67, the aunt and godmother of Tupac Shakur, has been a fugitive since 1979 and was spirited to Cuba where she has lived in exile since 1984. She’s sought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for her alleged involvement in the shooting death of a New Jersey state trooper in 1973. In May 2013, the FBI placed a $10 million bounty on her head and added Shakur to their Terrorist Most Wanted List.
Convicted of murder in 1977 after five trials, Shakur – a member of the Black Panther Party and activist from in her 20s – was given a life sentence but and escaped while waiting for the appeal process to take its course.
Cuba’s Foreign Minister for North America affairs Josefina Vidal, said Cuba will not return Shakur following public requests by 2016 presumptive presidential candidate and N.J. Gov. Chris Christie, the FBI and acting state Attorney General John Hoffman.
“We’ve explained to the U.S. government in the past that there are some people living in Cuba to whom Cuba has legitimately granted political asylum,” said Vidal, citing the absence of an extradition treaty between the U.S. and Cuba.
Nkechi Taifa, a local attorney and longtime activist, said blacks who embrace the concepts of fairness and equality shouldn’t shy away from speaking up and advocating on Shakur’s behalf adding that Shakur’s case must be looked at against the backdrop of COINTELPRO, an FBI-sponsored program created and executed by J. Edgar Hoover.
“They wanted to stop the rise of a Messiah to unify black masses. The FBI was told to be very creative and come up with solutions to destroy you and your families. They sowed distrust, monitored families and spread widespread information of the day,” Taifa said.
Shakur, and members of the Black Liberation Army, got into a shootout with officers on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973. State Trooper Werner Foerster died as did one of the revolutionaries. In 1977, a jury convicted Shakur of first degree murder for being an accomplice in Foerster’s killing, among other charges. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison despite Foerster’s partner’s admission that he lied in a police report when he said Shakur opened fire on Foerster. Like Michael Brown, forensic evidence showed that Shakur had her arms raised when she was shot.
Shakur’s lawyer Lennox Hinds and Angela Davis appeared on Democracy Now to denounce Shakur’s addition to the FBI list. Davis referred to the FBI’s actions as politically motivated.
“It seems to me that this act incorporates or reflects the very logic of terrorism,” she said. “I can’t help but think that it’s designed to frighten people who are involved in struggles today. Forty years ago seems like it was a long time ago. In the beginning of the 21st century, we’re still fighting around the very same issues – police violence, healthcare, education and people in prison.”
Hinds, a professor of criminal justice at Rutgers University in New Jersey, castigated the FBI and New Jersey authorities.
“This is a political act pushed by the state of New Jersey, by some members of Congress from Miami, and with the intent of putting pressure on the Cuban government and to inflame public opinion,” said Hinds, who has represented Shakur since 1973. “There is no way to appeal someone being put on the terrorists list.”
Noted author and lecturer Dr. Gerald Horne said the Cuban authorities should maintain their posture of not returning Shakur. The Castro government has argued that there are several men who committed acts of terror against the government and its people who the U.S. refuses to return. And as Hinds added, the Cuban government also maintains that if political exiles in the island nation are allowed to return, they would likely be subjected to racial and political repression.
Horne, author of more than 30 books, said Shakur should remain vigilant.
“We can’t rule out kidnapping. We can’t rule that out at all even though it would complicate U.S.-Cuba relations to detriment of the U.S.,” he said.
Bay Area
Oakland Mayor Pushes Charter Overhaul to Clarify Roles in City Government, Increase Accountability and Improve Service Delivery
Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
By Oakland Post Staff
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is backing a sweeping proposal to restructure Oakland’s government, arguing the changes would make City Hall more accountable and improve the delivery of basic services like public safety, homelessness response, and infrastructure repairs.
The charter reform measure, introduced April 7 and co-sponsored by Oakland City Council President Kevin Jenkins, would ask voters in November to approve a “strong mayor, strong council” system designed to create clearer lines of authority inside city government.
Under the proposal, the mayor would serve as Oakland’s chief executive, overseeing city departments, implementing policy, proposing the annual budget, and managing day-to-day operations. The measure would also give the mayor veto power over legislation and the budget, though the City Council could override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
The City Council, meanwhile, would maintain legislative authority by adopting ordinances, approving budgets, conducting oversight hearings, and confirming key mayoral appointments. The proposal would also create an Independent Budget and Legislative Analyst Office to provide nonpartisan fiscal and policy analysis for councilmembers.
“I’ve spent months listening to Oaklanders across every neighborhood about what they expect from their city government,” Lee said. “The Charter Reform Working Group’s engagement made clear that residents want a system where there are no questions about who is responsible for delivering results on public safety, homelessness, infrastructure, and basic services.”
Jenkins said the proposal would strengthen both executive leadership and council oversight.
“I’ve long believed Oakland works best when residents have clear lines of accountability and a government structure that aligns responsibility with results,” Jenkins said.
The proposal follows recommendations from the Mayor’s Charter Reform Working Group, co-facilitated by the League of Women Voters of Oakland and SPUR.
Over five months, the group conducted more than 60 interviews, held 14 public meetings across Oakland, and engaged more than 750 residents while reviewing governance models used in other cities.
“The process of engaging residents across Oakland surfaced the governance clarity Oakland needs,” said Sujata Srivastava of SPUR. “The Charter Reform Working Group has produced a thoughtful set of recommendations that if adopted could strengthen accountability and improve service delivery across city government.”
Polling cited by the mayor’s office suggests voters may be open to the changes. A February 2026 poll by the East Bay Polling Institute found 64% of voters support adopting a strong-mayor system. Separate polling conducted by the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and David Binder Research found support ranging from 61% to 63% among likely voters.
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Activism
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Hold Day of Advocacy at the Capitol in Sacramento
A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.
By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
On May 4, members of the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., convened at the California State Capitol for the organization’s 23rd annual Delta Days in Sacramento.
The two-day advocacy event brings together chapters from across California to engage directly in the legislative process, connect with lawmakers, and advocate for policies impacting Black communities.
Members of the sorority were honored on the Senate floor by Sen. Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro), who is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta.
Richardson welcomed the Farwest Region during the presentation of a Senate resolution recognizing outgoing Regional Director Kimberly Usher for her leadership and service.
“In addition to the Far West Region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what’s allowed,” Richardson said. “We are going to be having our regional conference, but we wanted to give it to her here, officially recognizing her service.”
The resolution was co-authored by Richardson and fellow members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and Delta Sigma Theta, Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).
Usher has served in the leadership role since 2022.
A member of the “Divine Nine,” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was founded on Jan. 13, 1913, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. The organization was established by 22 women who sought to shift the group’s focus from social activities to public service, academic excellence, and social activism.
“We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action,” said Weber Pierson, a member of the Gamma Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago,” she added.
Activism
Rep. Kamlager-Dove Introduces Bill to Protect Women in Custody After Reports Detailing Miscarriages and Neglect
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.
By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) on May 7, reintroduced updated legislation aimed at strengthening protections and healthcare standards for pregnant and postpartum women held in federal custody, including in immigration detention facilities.
The Pregnant Women in Custody Act would expand safeguards beyond the federal prison system to include women detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The proposal follows reports of pregnant women being shackled, denied medical care and suffering miscarriages while in immigration detention.
The legislation builds on a bipartisan version previously passed by the House during the 117th Congress. The updated bill includes new standards for healthcare access, mental health and substance use treatment, high-risk pregnancy care, family unity protections and increased federal oversight.
“Proper pregnancy care is a human right, regardless of your immigration or incarceration status,” Kamlager-Dove said in a statement. “It’s unacceptable that there are virtually no legal safeguards for pregnant women in federal custody.”
The bill would also limit the use of restraints and restrictive housing for pregnant women, improve data collection on maternal health in custody and require additional staff training and enforcement measures.
Supporters of the measure said the legislation is intended to address long-standing concerns about maternal healthcare and safety in detention settings, particularly for Black women and low-income women who are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and health disparities.
“Pregnant women in custody should never be subjected to dangerous and inhumane treatment that threatens their health, dignity, or the well-being of their babies,” said Patrice Willoughby, chief of policy and legislative affairs for the NAACP and a longtime public policy and government affairs strategist, in a statement.
A 2021 report estimated there are about 58,000 admissions of pregnant women into U.S. jails and prisons each year. Kamlager’s statement also cited a recent investigation by NBC News and Bloomberg Law that identified allegations of severe mistreatment or medical neglect involving at least 54 pregnant women or families in county jails between 2017 and 2024.
Federal policy under the Department of Homeland Security restricts the detention of pregnant, postpartum and nursing immigrants except in extreme cases. However, the agency reported that ICE deported 363 pregnant, postpartum or nursing women between January 2025 and February 2026, including 16 recorded miscarriages during that period.
The bill is cosponsored by several House Democrats and backed by organizations including the NAACP and the Vera Institute of Justice.
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