This shirt was given to me over a decade ago. I still wear it fairly often but I always make sure I
This shirt was given to me over a decade ago. I still wear it fairly often but I always make sure I wear it every March 8th for International Women’s Day. This shirt means a lot to me for a number of reasons: one being that Assata Shakur has been one of my heroes and inspirations since reading her book almost 20 years ago. It has also helped me to remember my own strength when the memory fades or dims. Assata went through so much for freedom. She worked to free her people, her sisters and ultimately herself. I have friends who have flown to Cuba to meet her and know her and they have all returned with the same basic story of light and wisdom and beauty. I hope to one day have my own story of Assata. As always, I like to hold on to small slivers of hope. It’s one of the few things I can hold when there seems to be nothing left but the pull of pessimism and despair. In those moments, I think of Assata. I think of all that she endures and endured. I think of the way this country still attempts to minimize, redefine and destroy her legacy. I think of all the photos I’ve seen of her in Cuba: flowing locks, radiant smile, skin that defies all reason and passing of time. I’ve always said if I had a daughter that Assata would live in her name somewhere and somehow. In fairness, I said the same about Malcolm and a son. That remains less and less a possibility daily with age but my heart still sings a song for Assata. My growth still lies in her existence on this earth. A small sliver of that hope includes perhaps a Presidential pardon but I hope she never returns to this country that won’t allow a soul rest.Stay where people travel to love you. That is another lesson from her. For Assata and all the women who struggle and fight and fashion their own forms of freedom: love and love and love. And#HandsOffAssata #TrustYourJourney – Bassey Ikpi -- source link