The Moynihan Report

Assata Shakur was a murderer, so why is the media celebrating her? | The Moynihan Report

Oct 1, 2025
Bob Woodson, founder of the Woodson Center and a veteran civil rights activist, joins the discussion on civil rights and political violence. He critiques the media's glorification of Assata Shakur despite her violent past, questioning why many intellectuals celebrate controversial figures. Woodson emphasizes the need for community solutions over grievance narratives and highlights the importance of local institutions in empowering marginalized communities. The conversation sheds light on the historical strengths of Black families and the often overlooked achievements in the quest for change.
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INSIGHT

Counting Violence Misses The Point

  • Michael Moynihan argues counting which side commits more political violence misses the point in a large society.
  • He emphasizes motive and context matter more than partisan tallies when assessing political violence.
ANECDOTE

Public Enemy Clip Sparks Controversy

  • Michael plays a clip of Public Enemy on Jimmy Kimmel and notes Chuck D wore a shirt honoring violent figures.
  • He uses this to question media normalization of radicals by entertainers and hosts.
INSIGHT

Past Violence Challenges Eulogies

  • Michael Moynihan catalogs violent acts linked to figures lauded by some media and activists, notably Assata Shakur and others.
  • He argues these histories complicate celebratory coverage and reveal normalization of political violence.
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