Chicago City Wire

Silvana Tabares, alderman of Chicago’s 23rd Ward, said in a press release that the Chicago Teachers Union's (CTU) decision to post a tribute to Assata Shakur reflects a radical ideological agenda. She expressed concerns that this focus neglects teachers' priorities and undermines efforts to reduce violence in classrooms.

"CTU has lost its way," said Tabares, Alderman, 23rd Ward. "The union should focus on the needs of their members. Instead CTU is pushing a radical ideology that should never be glorified in the classroom. Reducing violence requires a comprehensive approach. These outrageous CTU statements do not help."

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Assata Shakur, born Joanne Deborah Byron, was convicted in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster following a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1973. Shakur escaped from a New Jersey prison in 1979 and later surfaced in Cuba, where she was granted political asylum. Her case remains controversial, with her status on the FBI’s "Most Wanted Terrorists" list keeping her in the public eye.

In 2013, the FBI placed Shakur on its "Most Wanted Terrorists" list, marking her as the first woman to receive that designation. Federal officials have offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her capture, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement views her case. The listing emphasizes her conviction, escape, and continued fugitive status in Cuba.

The CTU has long engaged in political activism beyond classroom issues, often addressing housing, healthcare, and social justice. For example, during contract negotiations in 2019, CTU included demands related to affordable housing. This drew criticism from city officials who saw it as beyond the union’s scope. This reflects the union’s broader strategy of linking education to social policy.

According to the City of Chicago, Tabares was appointed alderman of the 23rd Ward in 2018 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel after serving as a state representative in the Illinois House. She has since focused on neighborhood safety, infrastructure improvements, and supporting small businesses in her ward. Her background includes a career in journalism and public service.