The Chicago Teachers Union was slammed for their memorial post honoring the recent death of fugitive Black activist and cop-killer Assata Shakur.
Tupac Shakur’s godmother died on Thursday at 78 in Cuba, after she escaped a life term for murdering a New Jersey cop in 1973.
The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) expressed their sorrow over Assata Shakur’s passing in a social media post on Friday. They stated, “We honor the life and legacy of a revolutionary fighter, a passionate writer, a respected elder of Black liberation, and a leader of freedom whose spirit remains alive in our ongoing struggle.”
They added the fugitive Black liberation activist ‘refused to be silenced’ and ‘taught us that it is our duty to fight for our freedom’.
The CTU’s appraisal drew immense social media backlash for ‘openly celebrating a murderer’.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy condemned the tribute in a fiery response, calling it ‘shameful and depraved’.
‘She was convicted of the murder New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was executed in cold blood.
The Chicago Teachers Union was slammed for their memorial post honoring the recent death of fugitive Black activist and cop-killer Assata Shakur
New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, pictured, was killed during a stop on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973
Tupac Shakur, the renowned rapper, is related to Assata as his godmother. She passed away on Thursday in Cuba at the age of 78 after having escaped a life sentence for the murder of a police officer in New Jersey back in 1973.
‘There are so many worthy heroes to celebrate. She is not one of them.’
Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow with the American Culture Project, spoke out against the tribute in a statement to FOX News Digital. He criticized the union, referring to it as “the most unhinged organization on Earth.”
He added the post should be a ‘wake-up call’ for Chicago teachers who feel like their union is not portraying an accurate representation of them.
“The Chicago Teachers Union, which has the responsibility of educating children, is using its official social media platform to honor a convicted murderer,” he responded.
Despite the controversial reactions, other organizations shared similar memorial posts supporting the CTU.
Meanwhile, the social justice organization Black Lives Matter Grassroots Inc. paid homage to Shakur on Friday, expressing, “May her bravery, wisdom, and profound love resonate across every realm and guide us.”
The Democratic Socialists also mourned the fugitive activist, blaming the US for ‘brutally oppressing Assata’ and praising Cuba for welcoming her.
The group also wrote on social media, saying, “The Cuban people welcomed her and other Black Revolutionaries with asylum, and their support and loyalty allowed Assata to spend her remaining years in Havana.”
Trooper Werner Foerster, 34, was killed in the gunfire exchange, leaving behind his wife and three-year-old son
Shakur was a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. She and two others were involved in a gunfight with New Jersey State Police Troopers following a highway traffic stop.
Trooper Werner Foerster, 34, was killed, leaving behind his wife and three-year-old son.
Another officer was injured in the gunfire and one of Shakur’s accomplices was also killed.
Shakur was wanted for several felonies at the time and was found guilty of murder, armed robbery and other crimes in 1977 and was sentenced to life in prison, only to escape in November 1979.
In 2013, she became the first woman to be added to FBI’s Most Wanted List under the name Joanne Chesimard. There was a $1 million reward for her capture.
Despite the thorny controversy, Shakur claimed innocence in her autobiography, writing that she did not shoot anyone and had her hands in the air during the gunfire.
The Daily Mail reached out to the CTU for comment.
