Nikole Hannah-Jones’s recent tribute to a convicted cop-killer raises serious concerns about media bias and journalistic ethics.
Hannah-Jones’s Controversial Tribute
Nikole Hannah-Jones, the creator of the 1619 Project, recently authored a tribute to Assata Shakur in the New York Times Magazine’s annual “The Lives They Lived” feature. Shakur, a member of the Black Liberation Army, was convicted in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster. Hannah-Jones’s piece is criticized for portraying Shakur as a victim of an unjust system, omitting key details such as Foerster’s name and the FBI’s labeling of Shakur as a domestic terrorist.
Shakur, who escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, was granted asylum there. She was added to the FBI’s most-wanted terrorists list in 2013. Critics argue that Hannah-Jones’s tribute glorifies Shakur without acknowledging the gravity of her crime or the impact on Foerster’s family. This omission has been seen as an attempt to rewrite history, fueling concerns over biased narratives in mainstream media.
Creator of the 1619 project Nikole Hannah-Jones, complains about what a terrible country America is pic.twitter.com/M2demsC6We
— ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴏᴘʜᴇʀ ᴀʀɴᴇʟʟ (@MrChrisArnell) November 13, 2025
The Ongoing 1619 Project Debate
The 1619 Project, launched by Hannah-Jones in 2019, has faced criticism for its portrayal of American history, particularly its claims about the role of slavery in the nation’s founding.
Historians have challenged its accuracy, and the project has become a lightning rod in the culture wars over education and American identity. The recent tribute to Shakur adds another layer of controversy, with critics questioning whether Hannah-Jones’s narrative choices are influenced by her political and ideological views.
Supporters of Hannah-Jones argue that her work highlights systemic racial injustices and gives a voice to marginalized communities. However, detractors claim that her selective storytelling undermines journalistic integrity and exacerbates divisions within American society. The tribute to Shakur has reignited debates over the role of media in shaping public perceptions of history and justice.
When New Jersey cop k*ller Joanne Chesimard, aka Assata Shakur died last weekend, the city of East Orange, NJ, the Chicago Teachers Union, and numerous leftist organizations paid tribute to her on social media.#lawenforcement #news #politics #assatashakur… pic.twitter.com/LDinq1AowF
— Blue Lives Matter (@bluelivesmtr) October 3, 2025
Implications for Media and Society
The controversy surrounding Hannah-Jones’s tribute to Assata Shakur underscores broader issues of media bias and journalists’ ethical responsibilities.
As Americans continue to grapple with complex issues of race, policing, and historical narratives, the role of the press in providing balanced and accurate reporting is more critical than ever. The debate over the 1619 Project and Hannah-Jones’s portrayal of Shakur will likely continue to shape discussions about media responsibility and the power of narrative in shaping public opinion.
BREAKING – The Chicago Teachers Union, which represents 30,000 people, has decided to honor black terrorist Assata Shakur, who killed 34-year-old New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster in 1973 before fleeing to Cuba.
These are who teach your children. pic.twitter.com/3Fbq6csObW
— Right Angle News Network (@Rightanglenews) September 27, 2025
In the wake of Shakur’s death, the contrasting views on her legacy reflect the deep divisions in American society. The ongoing scrutiny of the 1619 Project and its impact on education and public discourse highlights the need for careful examination of how history is taught and understood. As the nation moves forward, the importance of preserving journalistic integrity and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented in the media cannot be overstated.
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1619 Project’s Nikole Hannah-Jones Mourns Cop-Killer Who Escaped to Cuba