Assata Shakur Is the First Woman to Make the FBI's Most Wanted List

Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, became the first female to make the FBI's list of most wanted terrorists — reported New York Magazine. The state of New Jersey also announced it was adding $1 million to the FBI's $1 million reward for her capture.  

A former member of the Black Liberation Army, Shakur was convicted in 1977 of killing a New Jersey state trooper. But she escaped from prison in 1979, with the help of her brother Mutulu Shakur — the late rapper Tupac's stepfather. According to NYMag, Shakur inspired Hip Hop artist Common's "A Song for Assata."

Between 1956 and 1971, the FBI conducted the controversial covert project known as Counter Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO). And, according to NYMag's report, supporters of Shakur believe she was the victim of "FBI misconduct" — since COINTELPRO was created to survey, infiltrate, discredit, and disrupt "domestic political organizations."

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