JetBlue has apologized for displaying a poster of Assata Shakur as part of its Black History Month celebrations.
The brand drew criticism for the choice after a Twitter user tweeted a photo of a JetBlue Black History Month display at New York's JFK Airport, according to The New York Post.
@JetBlue Rumor has it that you are celebrating Black History month at LGA by celebrating Assata Shakur? She is a convicted cop killer. Please tell me this is not true. pic.twitter.com/McD9zUbFZl
— Jen Muzio (@Jennymz76Jenny) February 24, 2019
“@JetBlue Rumor has it that you are celebrating Black History month at LGA by celebrating Assata Shakur?” the user wrote. “She is a convicted cop killer. Please tell me this is not true.”
Shakur, who was born Joanne Chesimard, has a $2 million bounty on her head for the 1973 killing of a New Jersey state trooper, according to the FBI. She escaped from prison in 1979 and has lived in Cuba ever since.
The poster features a picture of Shakur and has a list of her accomplishments that includes her placement on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
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“Many people believe Shakur to be a political champion who is innocent of the criminal accusation against her,” the poster read.
JetBlue apologized for the tribute and said it came from a “ready-made batch of posters,” according to The Associated Press.
“The intention was always to unite our crewmembers and customers around the importance of Black History Month and we apologize for any offense the poster may have caused,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
The New Jersey State Police formally accepted the company's apology, according to News12. The force also vowed to continue working on capturing Shakur.
“We appreciate JetBlue removing the portrait of Chesimard out of respect for the Foerster family, the men and women of the New Jersey State Police, and all of the men and women in law enforcement that made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," the state police said in a statement. "We will never forget the service of Trooper Foerster and remain steadfast and committed in our efforts to bring Chesimard to justice."
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