Chicago Teachers Union honors Assata Shakur, draws backlash
The Chicago Teachers Union posted an official tribute mourning Assata Shakur after Cuban officials announced her death, praising her as a 'revolutionary fighter' and sparking criticism. Shakur — convicted in 1977 for the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, who was later listed by the FBI on its Most Wanted Terrorists list after her 1979 prison escape and flight to Cuba — remains a polarizing figure; the CTU post prompted national backlash from education critics and conservative commentators.
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Chicago Teachers Union honors Black militant convicted cop-killer after death in Cuba, drawing backlash
New information:
- CTU published an X post reading in part: 'Rest in Power, Rest in Peace, Assata Shakur' and quoted her line about fighting for freedom.
- Assata Shakur (JoAnne/Joanne Chesimard) was convicted in 1977 for the 1973 murder of State Trooper Werner Foerster, escaped prison in 1979, surfaced in Cuba in 1984 and was on the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list with a $1,000,000 reward.
- The CTU tribute drew immediate backlash from commentators and prompted public criticism of union leadership and its prior political stances (the article cites CTU President Stacy Davis Gates and a reaction from Corey DeAngelis).