Friday morning, many of us woke up to the news that Assata Shakur had transitioned on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Naturally, no major media outlet was headlining the loss of Assata Shakur, which is why I am also so grateful for our news outlets such as, What I'm Reading .
This loss hit many of us hard, and many of us feel she died free. While I’ve seen others argue that point. One thing that can’t be denied is that Assata Shakur lived her life with a clear understanding of who she was, and she decided to be the change she wanted to see.
As you watch the replay, below are the sprint writing prompts paired with the excerpts from the book Assata: An Autobiography. The book’s PDF is available below to download as well, thanks to Afro•Reads.
The playlist curated for this salon was from the favorite artist of Assata Shakur, listed in the book, but if you want the full experience of libations and Reiki, make sure you watch the beginning and end of the replay.
Sprint One
Excerpt from Assata: An Autobiography, Chapter One, Page 17
I felt a unity with all things living. The world, in spirt of oppression, is a beautiful place. I would say “Om” softly to myself, letting my lips vibrate. I felt the birds, the sun, and the trees. I was in communion with all the forces on the earth that truly love people, in communion with all the revolutionary forces on the earth.
Writing Prompt
How do you view spirituality in connection to revolutionary work?
Take 25 minutes to let the words flow from your heart to the page.
Sprint Two
Excerpt from Assata: An Autobiography, Chapter Three, Page 52
Every revolution in history has been accompolished by actions, although words are necessary. We must create shields that protect us and spears that penetrate our enemies. Black people must learn how to struggle by struggling. We must learn by our mistakes... ...Black revolutionaries do not drop from the moon. We are created by our conditions. Shaped by our oppression... ...We must defend ourselves and let no one disrespect us. We must gain our leberation by any means necessary. It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have notion to lose but our chains: ...We must fight on.
Writing Prompt
What does Black liberation mean to you today?
Take 25 minutes to let the words flow, but this time from your lived experience.
