Honoring Shasta Jones, Freedom Fighter & Revolutionary

Shasta’s loved ones gathered for a Movement Memorial at Picken Memorial Temple to honor her life and legacy.

We regrettably and very sadly dip our banners of struggle for our dear comrade and beloved friend Shasta Jones who passed away early Thursday morning. She was 43 years old and is survived by 5 children and 7 siblings. We send our heartfelt condolences to Shasta's family and friends.

Shasta was a freedom fighter and a community jewel who will live forever in our hearts and deeds. Her contributions to the struggle for community control of the police and the Black liberation movement as a whole were immeasurable. She was known by every person who walked in and out of our office on 63rd & Cottage Grove, and beloved by the community. Her efforts live on in not only the history she made, but in all those she touched, prepared and trained to carry on the struggle. 

Shasta lived in Buffalo, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; Bloomington, and of course Chicago, Illinois. She touched an untold number of lives with her joy and revolutionary optimism. As a survivor of the prison system, Shasta had an unshakable resolve to fight for justice and to love those impacted by injustice. She extended her revolutionary love around the world with words and actions of solidarity. Her legendary trip to Cuba in 2019 has resonated throughout Chicago both in the stories she told and the lessons she taught as an organizer. She is fondly remembered by people in the Palestinian, Filipino, Chicano, immigrant rights, and workers’ movements among many others.

As soon as we are informed by the family of arrangements we will let you know immediately. All Power to the People! Long Live Shasta in the hearts and minds of the people!

People wishing to contribute to the expenses for the funeral may do so at the link below: