It was a familiar scene in the West Lexington Street Courthouse in downtown Baltimore. Accused killer Michael Johnson was lead into the court room shackled and prepared to stand trial for the killing of Monroe, N.C. honors teen Phylicia Barnes. Only this time Johnson’s appearance was brief as both attorneys for the State and Defense agreed that more time was needed to sort through reportedly 17,000 documents from the case’ Discovery filing, generated from investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Baltimore City Homicide Division respectively. Although the postponement is bitter-sweet for Barnes family members, and a concerned public, the delay shed new insight into Johnson’s bolstered Defense Team. Johnson’s legal counsel has grown with three additional attorneys filing their appearances on his behalf. The addition of another Law Firm has peaked interest of followers in this tragic case, but the revelation of the State having filed such a volume of evidence in it’s Discovery demonstrates that Johnson’s defense necessitated assistance digesting all of the State’s documents. One of Johnson’s Defense Counsels Ivan Bates, who represents Johnson along with Russell Neverdon and Tony Garcia, even admitted himself that the State’s case was overwhelming, saying “It’s a lot of work” to review”. Lead Defense Counsel Russell Neverdon said he’s confused by the police claims in this case, particularly after reviewing their investigation files, and he contends that law enforcement is relying on “the old cliche” of blaming the person who admits the latest interaction with the victim. Neverdon’s comments obviously are mere posturing, because the latest filing in the case reveals that the Defense has waived Johnson’s Hicks rights (A Law that grants criminal defendants a right to a speedy trial; typically within 180 days). If Neverdon’s position truly supports a weak State’s case, the Defense would almost certainly have argued to proceed with trial today. More importantly, 17,000 pages of discovery evidence is no cake walk, and Johnson’s attorneys know it. The Defense can “cry wolf” that the case against Johnson is circumstantial all they want, but such a discovery, even on it’s face tends to point to an upheaval, and a stringent fight toward the desired acquittal of their client. Another interesting factor which points to defense posturing is Neverdon’s comments when questioned about a possible plea deal. Johnson’s lawyers said there has been no talk of a plea deal yet, and won’t be until they’ve had a chance to fully review the state’s case. Such a statement certainly appears to leave the door wide open for that option down the road, and shoots down the defense’s public display of confidence in their ability to obtain an eventual acquittal of  Michael Johnson. Johnson’s defense admission of an overwhelming discovery filing, the Hicks waiving, and their straddling the fence when responding to plea deal inquiries, sounds a different tune regarding their confidence in this case. In short they appear to be reeling in the face of a potential prima fascia State case against Johnson. Moreover, State Attorneys claim there is even more to come in this case. That statement was void of details as the State remains unusually tight-lipped, and the objective observer must refer back to Judge John A. Howard’s remarks during Johnson’s Bail Hearing. One of the chief premises for Johnson’s bail denial is that Howard believed Johnson was a danger to society, while stating “to those closest to him”. While the state hints at even more discovery, these facts present an extremely compelling argument that parties within Johnson’s own camp may have flipped, possibly to save their own necks, and may even testify against him. The Case Filing on May 23, 2012 for a MOTION FOR JOINT TRIAL OF DEFENDANTS AND OFFENSES & a NOTICE OF PLEA BARGAIN POLICY remains a mystery, and continues to offer intangible clues to where this case is actually headed. The filings may have prompted the inquiries from the media about a plea deal. Why a Motion was filed for a Joint Trial of Defendants is unclear, however, it stands out as unique and odd during the process of a Capitol Crime in which there has only been one defendant named publicly. Justice delayed doesn’t necessarily mean justice denied, and we remain hopefully that the facts surrounding what really happened to young Phylicia Barnes comes to the light.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

The Native Virginia Beach teen literally shook up the world after winning the Woman’s Gymnastics All-Around Crown at the 2012 Summer Olympics, a feat never before accomplished by an American woman of color. She soured her way into the hearts of  Olympians and a vast global audience who cheered her on along the way. Her near effortless talent as a gymnast solidified her as the absolute best performer on the grandest stage in the world. Gabrielle Douglass did her Mom, Dad, and hometown proud with a performance almost certain to become remembered as the absolute best individual effort ever, by an African-American gymnast at the Olympics. As the Olympic Gold Medalist marched around 02 stadium in Britain draped with “Ole Glory”, another development reared its ugly head attempting to tarnish one of the greatest moments in World Sports history. Soon after Douglass took the podium to claim her Gold, comments began to emerge in social media which chastised the teen for what some would simply deem a bad hair day. Unsurprisingly though, many of the comments derived from other women of color who claim that “A Black Woman must represent her self in the best light at all times”, especially during an occasion such as this. Some women appear to have taken issue with the fashion in which Douglass wore her hair during her Olympic performances. The drama caught wind in the media from news affiliates whom are almost always eager to cast a negative light on the slightest accomplishments of famed Black-Americans. The comments came as a shock to many around the world, but in the African-American community here in the United States, such comments are only business as usual to many blacks who know the mindset of our community. American Blacks suffer from the disease of self-hatred that was indoctrinated into our people during the slave trade era. It’s not simply a matter of crabs in the barrel, but we continue to perpetuate a learned dislike for our own natural beauty. I’ll go on record right now by adding, if anyone can look at Gabrielle Douglass and conclude that she is, and was unattractive during her Olympic performances, then I suggest they run to the nearest Optometrist at their earliest convenience. Only a simple minded, envious nut case, and full of Haterade kind of person could find something negative to say about such a beautiful child. The kid riveted with an impassioned smile and displayed a unique candor with her body language unmatched by her Olympic peers. I am lost understanding why some black women did not see this. It’s just sad, even as Douglass’s popularity grew launching  her into the eventual crowd favorite, that some of her own people found it necessary to unleash childish, catty and little girl like comments about one of the most prolific athletes of our time. The comments depict exactly how sick some people of color really are. Once the comments were rebuffed by an appalled world fan base, many took the time to explain to bubble-head women who made comments, that athletes actual sweat, the perceived bad hair do was more than likely a clever idea by Douglass when considering the texture of African-American hair pertaining to its reaction to moisture. Her hair more than likely would have fallen flat anyway once she began her routines. However, this is dialogue for mature logical thinking people who’s lives are not predicated on what others perceptions are of them, or that of gossipy messy females who aspire to blend into a Euro-centric hair style culture. I mean what ass-holes they are. It’s incredible that in 2012 women of color in America remain such petty bitter bitches that the hair style of a teenage child has become such a distraction to them. It would be safe to say that the exact same women are probably major contributors to synthetic hair manufactures, all along while securing the prosperity of these same businesses, and insuring that they themselves remain in a state of mental slavery, oppression, and ignorance. What nerve they have. It’s with a distinct pleasure that The People’s Champion salute Ms. Gabrielle Douglass, her Mom, and her Dad on such an awesome accomplishment. Gabrielle Douglass, an American Olympian, and Gold Medalist. You did us all proud Gabby!

Gabby relaxing at her Iowa Home while showing off her flexibility.

This is what Champions are made of.

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

It may seem as if the attention is no longer focused on who killed the Honors Student from Monroe, N.C. in Baltimore back in 2010. The media coverage has been minimal, readers following the child’s tragic story have dwindled, and now with accused murderer Michael Johnson preparing for an August 13 court date, it’s fitting that I publicly reiterate just how senseless, heartless, and horrific of an ordeal that this entire case has been for those who knew and loved Phylicia Simone Barnes.  None of us who have closely watched this case could ever even began to image the pain and suffering that the late child’s parents have endured. The lost of such a promising child was exacerbated by attacks from the public, questioning their judgement, critiquing their comments within the media, and spewing other ungodly like innuendo at the child’s parents as if they had murdered their own child themselves. Through it all the Mustafa Family fought back, taking to the airwaves to dispell untruths and rumors that they say were started by their daughters father’s side of the family. Unfortunately, what should have been a united front from both sides of the Barnes family, spilled over into an ugly public debacle of finger-pointing, and the rehashing of old wombs that was depicted in a gut wrenching and heartfelt commentary be the late teen’s mother, Janice Mustafa. I also had to withstand and endure attacks from the public as well as the Barnes Baltimore family. Despite the constant criticism from all sides of the horrific crime, I stand firmly behind my decision to cover this murder case, and for my interviews that I have conducted with parties closely associated with this case. When young black kids go missing, they seldom gain National Media attention like children from white communities. The African-American community has been depended upon the media, police authorities, and others outside of our community to resolve issues related to crime, social discord, and our children for far to long. Many of the criminal cases that occur in black neighborhoods could potentially be resolved within the first few days if citizens within many of these crime plagued communities would simply take a stand and provide the necessary information that would enable police to obtain an arrest. The burden of guilt also lay squarely on the shoulders of black people who cower in their homes after having witnessed crime or are in the know of pertinent information that could bring criminals to justice. The Barnes teen killing is textbook related to my argument of non-involvement from the black community. The volume of people who frequented Deena Barnes’ apartment coupled with all of their accounts of not having any information at all about what happened to Phylicia Barnes, is descriptive of an apathetic standard which permeates the African-American community as it relates to crime, even heinous crimes such as this, in which one of black people’s brightest hopes has fallen to the epidemic of violent culture within many urban cities across America, and their silence perpetuates a slave mentality that has reigned over our people which dates back to the worst social period in this country’s history when our ancestors lived in bondage on these shores. Yet, many from the public have deemed it necessary to attack Janice Sallis-Mustafa for allowing her child to visit her half-siblings in Baltimore. These perspectives derive from people who for what ever reason have completely ignored the fact that the mother was lied too. I believe Janice when she says that she spoke with Deena Barnes at length on the guidance she expected while her precious daughter was under her care. The fact that Phylicia herself hid certain details on the kinds of activities she was allowed to engage in, clearly shows that the mother wouldn’t have allowed her to return for future visits had she been aware, and that she was also a proactive mom who cared about the well-being of her child. Despite who may ultimately be held accountable for the child’s murder, the lies that were told to Janice Mustafa were critical in the mother’s decision to grant Phylicia permission to travel there in the first place. Also. I must remind people tha another child dropped a bomb shell on the mother prior to her traveling to Baltimore after learning her daughter had gone missing. That kid told Janice that Phylicia had been allowed to engage in drug and alcohol usage during her trips to that city. Later on TPC obtained exclusive images that showed males who frequented Deena Barnes apartment engaging in smoking marijuana and drinking vodka, which is exactly what the child had previously told Phylicia’s mother. The child had never been to Baltimore, and it is highly coincidental that she could describe with exact detail what was actually going on in that apartment. It doesn’t take rocket science to conclude that the child spoke truth, that Phylicia was also allowed to participate in such culture while visiting there, and that Janice Mustafa was in fact lied to by Deena Barnes. The lies, neglect, and poor guidance that aided the child’s killers to take her life is not only disgusting, but it remains ground zero in what happened to this beautiful little girl. As this case heads to court, these underlining facts will continue to be on the minds of people within the public who see clearly through the cloud of deception, and will always rightfully hold the child’s older half-sister accountable for the death of her baby sister. I have only  just begun to start and I’m not done yet!

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

One of the fondest images I’ve ever held of the Valentines is a picture with Cousin Veronica and her four pretty little girls standing on the stoop of their Atlantic City, New Jersey home in the late 1970’s. Ronnie as she was affectionately known to all that knew her, extended her arms covering her offspring in a classic expression of love as if she was presenting her babies to the world. That photo isn’t just an icon family portrait, but for the most part  it epitomized the very legacy of love, togetherness, and family that most people will certainly frame in their minds as the fashion in which she developed her kids, while remembering this caring, kind, and fun-loving person. My memory of Veronica Valentine isn’t predicated on allegiance to family or relative bias, but rather it’s my practical experience of having been counseled, advised, disciplined, and impacted by the spirit of true motherly love she displayed while I interacted with her. Ronnie was an extremely nice person who I personally have never observed being upset about anything or even raising her voice. Her persona projected positiveness, and she made it a distinct point to disassociated herself from negativity of any kind. Like most people who possess unique characters that’s distinct from the norm, Ronnie wasn’t void of ridicule from people who perceived her as arrogant, self-righteous, and better than others. Those opinions from others, even family members, were just that (their opinion), and she never allowed such animosity to deter her from anything. Cousin Ronnie was a woman of Faith. God reigned in her life, and she made that abundantly clear to all. You knew where to find Ronnie on Sunday, as the Lord’s House was her sanctuary, a life practice mirrored by her children to this very day.  My reflection of my cousin isn’t filled with hot air and distortions of the true. All anyone has to know about her to determine the kind of person she was, can easily be measured by simply talking to the four beautiful, distinct, and sweet woman that she raised. My cousins are not being portrayed as  perfect people, no one is perfect or without sin. They are very good people, that’s the truth, and interacting with any one of them will reveal that they were raised in an  environment that derived from love, wisdom, values, and a home that knew the Lord. In fact their characters have always been so alluring that they were considered the envy of their peers. Ronnie was a strong Christian Woman who doubled as a full-time single parent and that obstacle was a mere bump in the road. Ronnie’s personal strength surpassed every obstacle that life brought to her. She was an enormously strong person that I have always admired, respected, and sought advise from.   Her ability to raise her girls in the face of  adversity is simply an incredible story, and embodies how woman of color have been the backbone of their families for centuries.These are facts that I know because I lived it and is also the reason that her passing hurts so very deeply. I have never been angry with her, because I had no cause to be. I can’t speak for my siblings or other family members, but Ronnie treated me as if I was her own child. I don’t know if such affection originated from the closeness that she shared with my late mother, but she always treated me as family in ever since of the word. Veronica Valentine was an iconic family figure and her having passed is one of the most difficult days of my life. I will miss our talks, her loving personality, and most importantly I’ll miss how kind she was to me. Cousin Ronnie has gone on to be with the Lord now, but she has left this earth having completed her work. Though I will never see her in the flesh again, those four beautiful girls will be a constant reminder to me that we are still family, and they are the gift she gave to this world.  I pay homage to Veronica Valentine today and thank her for the loving spirit she shared with me. I am grateful to have such a blissful woman touch my life. I love you Ronnie and I’ll think of you every day the rest of my life. God speed.

The early days: Cousin Veronica Valentine with her four pretty little girls dressed in their Sunday’s Best circa 1970’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey!

(I can’t help but laugh while fighting back tears looking at this picture. Kim (all white) has the biggest smile), Lynn (baby blue) looks as if she is the star and should be the only one in the picture, Danita (green plaid) looks like she is watching the ice cream truck go by, and Donna’s plaid coat and matching hat is simply a classic family portrait. I love each and everyone of ya’ll)

Your Cousin

David

In what appears to be gearing up as one of the most highly anticipated murder trials for the City of Baltimore in recent memory, court filings show momentum toward the scheduled August 13, 2012 trial date for accused killer Michael Maurice Johnson. One day after Johnson stood primarily silent and shackled before a Circuit Court Judge, his defense team acquired two new counsels who filed their appearances in this case. On Jun 21 Tony Garcia esq. and Ivan Bates esq. filed ADFs as attorneys for the defense. The filings bolsters the defense counsel from three to five attorneys now officially connected to the Phylicia Barnes murder trial who are now defending Michael Johnson. Prosecutors allege that Johnson, who was reportedly the last person to see young Phylicia Barnes alive, strangled the child and transported her body out of a Northwest Baltimore apartment in a large tub style container. Although, the state hasn’t hinted at possible physical evidence which links Johnson to the killing, other recent court filings seem to point to at least some kind of actual physical evidence in the case. On July 3 there were other filings that relates to tangible evidence. There was actually a motion filed to subpoena tangible evidence in the case. That filing was followed by a trigger date of July 11, 2012. Filings of this nature are mere procedural as each side begin mounting crucial evidence that supports their arguments in the case. However, it’s widely believed that the evidence subpoena is more than likely for telephone or social media records and the medical examiners reports which may help shape the state’s case while proving Johnson actually killed the studious honors teen. Early on during the investigation of the Barnes teen killing, Federal authorities sought social media accounts of the Barnes teen, Michael Johnson, his kid brother Delanie, Denna Barnes, and another unnamed male associated with the case. The subpoena probably was a prosecutorial filing because the state’s entire outlined case against Johnson must be turned over to the defense in accordance with discovery laws at some point prior to the scheduled court appearance.  Subpoenas are typically measures taken to insure that evidence which normally wouldn’t voluntarily be entered as evidence, is in fact at the state’s disposal during trial, and could be mandated by a court of law.  The evidence in this case remains to be seen if any bona fide material even exist. The defense has long claimed that the state’s case is nothing more than mere circumstantial, and charges against Johnson were a rush to judgement as the prosecutor’s lead investigator became a subject of a criminal investigation which alleged he used his police powers to illegally enter private homes in search of his runaway daughter. Johnson’s attorneys say the investigator’s integrity is now under scrutiny, and the state wants the Barnes case adjudicated before departmental charges take center stage against the detective. Whether the defense’ claims hold any bearing or not remains to be seen. However, court filings points to the potential direction of the state’s case against Johnson. A DEMAND FOR CHEMIST filing was entered during the pretrial phase on April 27 2012 and recently another such filing was made on June 21 2012 in the case. Though the filings are again procedural, it clearly demonstrates that some expert will testify regarding the toxins, chemicals or other forensics that were found either on the body or within the Barnes teen’s system at the time of her medical examination. Such evidence could be categorized as tangible if such findings link Johnson or supports some other theory related to how Johnson meted out the pretty little girl’s murder. In all actuality, the court filings can be interpreted in various ways as it is uncertain which side of this criminal case has requested the services of a chemist. Such a request could have been filed by the state and the defense respectively. For instance, the state  may use the expert testimony of a chemist to prove that fibers discovered on the Barnes teen’s body are chemically consistent with fibers and other forensic findings inside the trunk of Johnson’s car or are exact in comparison to fibers on clothing he wore that day. On the other hand, the defense may argue that the Barnes teen’s cause of death wasn’t a result of strangulation as the state has alleged. The defense could use a chemist to prove that Barnes died from alcohol poisoning or a combination of drug and alcohol intoxication. Such a perspective wouldn’t be a stretch at all considering the allegations that Barnes was allowed to use drugs and alcohol while she visited her half-sister’s apartment in Baltimore. Either way that a chemist is utilized in this case, the very existence of a scientific professional of this caliber is a rudimentary in the eventual final disposition determining Micheal Johnson’s guilt or innocence in the murder of Phylicia Barnes. For now the public can only speculate on what these court filings actually mean, while continuing to pray that justice prevails for our pretty little flower, Phylicia Simone Barnes. View the State of Maryland’s Court filing history for Michael Johnson’s murder trial below:

Event History Information

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

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When most Americans, Blacks and Whites hear the terms Black Panthers and Black Liberation Army, they turn away and avoid simple dialogue regarding such organizations out of fear of reprisals from government officials or the stigma of being perceived pro-black, and militant. Much of the negative characterization that has lingered around such affiliations, political, and social empowerment groups derived from counter intelligence campaigns like COINTELLPRO which were designed  to suppress the mobilization of Black Nationalist groups that were born in the height of the Civil Rights era in America. Chiefly, racist U.S. officials such as the infamous J. Edgar Hoover, former head of the F.B.I. (Federal Bureau of Investigations) made it a point to use the full power of the American Government to make an example of any black person who dare brazenly, boldly, and courageously rise up and publicly fight against the tyranny, oppression, and imperialism of  the United States.

There are countless prominent African-American figures who were not only targeted by such convert government programs, but many of them ultimately fell as a result of their political and social views that racist public officials deemed a threat to National Security and  the white ruling class’ political order. COINTELLPRO is an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program which used  surveillance, infiltration, discrediting, and disruption of domestic political organizations. Many of the tactics that were used included discrediting targets through psychological warfare; smearing individuals and groups using forged documents and by planting false reports in the media; harassment; wrongful imprisonment; and illegal violence, including assassination. Although illegal covert operations such as COINTELLPRO have been exposed, many who fell target to such scrutiny are still deemed as a threat even until this very day. 

One of the more known cases is the plight of JoAnne Deborah Byron (married name Chesimard)  who is more commonly referred to as Assata Shakur. Assata is a Community College of New York graduate who participated in rallies and became an African-American activist fighting for social change in America. Her political affiliation has ties to the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. Both organizations were heavily watched by the F.B.I. and almost every member of the two groups became targets of COINTELLPRO. Assata’s troubles began when COINTELLPRO launched a campaign against her that started in 1971. She was accused of multiple felonies that eventually culminated in a successful prosecution and conviction for the murder of a New Jersey State Trooper (strong evidence supports that the police may have dumped the slain cop’s body at the scene of a traffic stop framing Shakur and others driving in the car that day) The below chart outlines all of the criminal charges filed against Shakur, which she was never convicted of except the murder charge of slaying Trooper Werner Foerster. 

Additionally, documentary evidence suggests that Shakur was targeted by an investigation named CHESROB, which “attempted to hook former New York Panther Joanne Chesimard (Assata Shakur) to virtually every bank robbery or violent crime involving a black woman on the entire East Coast. The eventual acquittal of most charges against Assata demonstrates that they were trumped-up and never had any merit from the very start. Nonetheless, the state of New Jersey spent over a million dollars in tax payer’s money to win a conviction against Shakur, whose trial like most prominent African-Americans were nothing more than “public lynchings” in “kangaroo courts”. It has always been the policy of some in the racist American government to silence influential blacks based on nothing more than racism alone. It’s clear that New York and New Jersey law enforcement never had a solid case against Assata. The COINTELLPRO campaign against her rallied support from whites in this country who accepted just about everything that the media published about blacks who were deemed “radical”, depicted as violent, and were a threat to the comfort that many whites had become accustomed to during an era in American when many felt black people were gaining too much politically, socially, and way too fast. 

However, the overt racial climate that existed during the Civil Rights Movement has now dissipated, and the fact that law enforcement officials of today continue to increase the bounty for the capture and incarceration of once prominent black political figures such as Assata Shakur speaks volumes regarding the true extent of just how much the Government’s policy has actually change related to the advancement of African-Americans in this country. The details of Trooper Werner Foerster’s killing are extremely shaky at best. For example, expert witness who testified during the Shakur trial clearly demonstrated that Assata could not have fired a weapon as the cops claimed that day. X-ray images depicted that during the alleged shoot out, bullets that struck Shakur entered her body while her hands were raised in the air from behind. The Prosecution’s counter on these facts were met with testimony which deemed police accounts “anatomically impossible” by an expert witness. 

More importantly to Shakur’s defense though, is that Neutron Activation Analysis (testing conducted to determine if a person has fired a weapon) administered after the shootout showed no gun powder residue on Shakur’s fingers; her fingerprints were not found on any weapon at the scene, according to forensic analysis performed at the Trenton, New Jersey crime lab and the FBI crime labs in Washington D.C.  According to tape recordings and police reports made several hours after the shoot-out, when Harper (one of the cops involved who fingered Shakur) returned on foot to the administration building 200 yards (183 m) away, he did not report Foerster’s presence at the scene; no one at headquarters even knew of Foerster’s involvement in the shoot-out until his body was discovered beside his patrol car, more than an hour later. Despite these very exculpatory facts, Shakur was found guilty and remanded to custody for decades. 

Assata’s trial contained the usual questionable adjudication tactics often seem during criminal trials of prominent blacks during that time, like the dismissal of legal funding, multiple contempt of court rulings for the defense, and rulings that violated her constitutional rights under the law making it virtually impossible for Assata’s attorney to mount an adequate defense. Her time in prison caused her to become a constant victim of brutality, confinement to deplorable conditions, and was often visited while shackled to a cot. Fearful that Shakur’s demise would culminate at the hands of New Jersey State Correctional Officials, trusted friends and other supporters literally ‘busted” Shakur from prison. On November 2, 1979 she escaped the Clinton Correctional Facility for women in New Jersey, when three members of the Black Liberation Army visiting her drew concealed .45-caliber pistols, seized two guards as hostages and commandeered a prison van. For years after Shakur’s escape, the movements, activities, and phone calls of her friends and relatives—including her daughter walking to school in upper Manhattan—were monitored by investigators in an attempt to ascertain her whereabouts, but to no avail. 

Shakur remained on the run as a fugitive from justice until she fled to the island nation of Cuba by 1984; in that year she was granted political asylum in that country where she remains to this day. Shakur a once english editor at the University of Havanna lived openly for years. Recent extradition efforts by the F.B.I. (including a reported deal to lift the American embargo against Cuba in exchange the release of 90 fugitives believed living there, including Shakur) has forced Shakur underground again, but she remains a celebrated political figure within African-American studies at Colleges and Universities world-wide from many of those who sympathize with her plight. Others within in the New Jersey law enforcement community revile her as a cold-blooded killer. Fidel Castro himself said, Assata Shakur was “a victim of racial persecution”, also saying “they wanted to portray her as a terrorist, something that was an injustice, a brutality, and an infamous lie”. 

African-American politicians have called for the bounty on Shakur to be rescended and many educators have called her a “revolutionary fighter against imperialism”. Read a complete history on the Assata Shakur case here: African -American Freedom Fighter Assata Shakur. There are those within the African-American community who argue that blacks who involve themselves with controversial groups of this nature are suffering from self imposed horrors from a knowingly racist government, and should not be afforded empathy nor notoriety. I personally beg to differ from such a perspective, as the right of free speech is constitutionally protected, and personal non-violent ideologies should not be persecuted solely on race and other diverse ideals related to philosophical disparities.  Assata’s story demonstrates the imperialistic power of our government, and how anyone can be fabricated into a villain to silence their political and social idealism. Assata Shakur, a true freedom fighter of her people. She remains free for now!

The People’s Champion

I’m David Adams

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