The Chicago Teachers Union is encountering criticism after they honored Assata Shakur—a fugitive activist for Black liberation who passed away after evading a life sentence for the murder of a New Jersey state trooper in 1973.
The union, which includes over 27,000 members, described Shakur, who had been residing in Cuba since her escape from prison in 1979, as “a revolutionary fighter” in a social media post. This statement quickly sparked disapproval online, including from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
“Shameful and depraved,” Murphy wrote on X about the CTU’s praise.
“She was convicted of the murder New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was executed in cold blood,” he said.
“There are so many worthy heroes to celebrate. She is not one of them.”
The Democratic Socialists of America also shared a glowing tribute to Shakur, stating: “We pledge to uphold her legacy by acknowledging our responsibility to fight for our freedom, achieve it, love and safeguard one another because we have nothing to lose but our chains.”
