Assata: An Autobiography

On April 8, 1978, Assata was transferred to a maximum-security prison for women in Alderson, West Virginia where “the most dangerous women in the country” (253) were imprisoned. This included the Manson family women and members of the Aryan sisterhood who were known for their attacks on Black prisoners. These inmates left Assata alone because she made it clear she would fight back.

Despite the antagonism of the white supremacist inmates, Assata also befriended Rita Brown, a white activist from the George Jackson Brigade who was a lesbian feminist. Assata liked Rita because unlike other white feminists, Rita believed that race, class, and gender were not separate issues. According to Assata, Rita “really practiced sisterhood” (254).

One of the most profound meetings Assata had in prison was her encounter with Puerto Rican nationalist and political prisoner, Lolita Lebrón, which she called “one of the greatest honors of my life” (255). She admired Lolita for her refusal of parole until her comrades were also freed. They did not agree on issues of religion as faith played a role in Lolita’s political beliefs. Lolita was also anticommunist and antisocialist at the time. However, Assata came to understand the significance of religion in Lolita’s political development and defended her when others attacked her for it.