Assata Shakur Documentary & Series in Development

The powerful story of political activist Assata Shakur is set to be brought to a new generation through upcoming documentary and scripted projects. Renowned activist and professor Angela Davis is joining the initiative as an executive producer, lending her influential voice to the endeavor.

A Collaborative Vision for Shakur’s Story

Filmmakers Giselle and Stephen Bailey, known for HBO’s “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television,” are developing both projects under their banner, Indigo Films. They have secured authorization from Shakur’s daughter, Kakuya Shakur, and civil rights attorney Lennox Hinds, who represented Shakur, has granted them exclusive access. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive look at Shakur’s life and legacy.

Giselle and Stephen Bailey stated, “Assata’s story is important to all Americans as it reveals the powers that divide us and our capacity to heal.” Their goal is to shed light on the complexities of Shakur’s journey and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Context of Shakur’s Life and Legacy

The announcement follows the passing of Assata Shakur on September 25 in Havana, Cuba, where she had been living in political asylum since her escape from prison in 1979. Born Joanne Chesimard, Shakur was a member of the Black Liberation Army and was convicted in 1977 for her alleged involvement in a 1973 shootout that resulted in the death of a New Jersey State Trooper. She was serving a life sentence before her escape.

Supporters argue that Shakur’s conviction was based on insufficient evidence, citing factors like the absence of gunpowder residue on her hands and her injuries sustained during the incident. Angela Davis has been a vocal advocate for Shakur, calling her “innocent” and highlighting her case as an example of the police brutality and racism faced by activists during that era.

Bringing Shakur’s Story to a New Audience

Davis, who wrote the foreword for the 2014 edition of “Assata: An Autobiography,” praised Shakur as a “compassionate human being committed to justice.” She has consistently pointed out how Shakur was targeted by the FBI and COINTELPRO, emphasizing that the issues Shakur fought against—police violence, healthcare disparities, and mass incarceration—remain relevant today.

With both a documentary and a scripted project in development, Assata Shakur’s compelling narrative and enduring legacy are poised to educate and inspire a new generation, encouraging deeper understanding of her fight for justice and the broader struggles for civil rights.