Born as Joanne Deborah Byron, and later legally known as Joanne Chesimard, Shakur was one of the leading figures of the Black Panther party. In the 70s, she became a symbol of the fight of Black Americans for equality, but also a person accused of terrorist activities. In 1973 she was convicted of the murder of a New York policeman Werner Foersster. Supporters of Shakur considered her a victim of systemic injustice, while her opponents saw a dangerous revolutionary in her.
In 1979, Shakur escaped from the prison in New Jersey, which made her a legend among radicals. Shortly thereafter she received asylum in Cuba, where for decades she remained beyond the reach of the American justice system. The FBI placed her on the list of the most sought after terrorists, offering a $ 2 million prize for it.
For many, Shakur was a heroine and a symbol of resistance to racism and social inequalities. For others – a criminal who has never responded for her actions. Shakur will remain one of the most controversial figures in the history of the struggle for civil rights in America.
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