Photograph — Hypetrak

Another iconic figure in the Shakur family, the philanthropist, political activist, former Black Panther Party (BPP) member, and businesswoman, Afeni Shakur, (born Alice Faye Williams) passed away on May 2, following a possible cardiac arrest. Afeni, the mother of the late rap legend, Tupac Shakur, was 69 years old at the time of her death.

For a lot of people outside of the United States, and in fact probably within the country itself, Afeni Shakur was only famous for being “Tupac’s mum” to whom he dedicated the global hit song “Dear Mama.” However, there was much more to the woman that gave the worldwide music industry and Hip Hop fans Tupac Shakur. Even before becoming one of the most celebrated mothers in pop culture on the entire planet, Afeni has been involved in the struggles of changing lives and communities.

Here are four ways through which the world benefitted from the life of the truly revolutionary Afeni Shakur.

The New York Black Panther and social activist.

When Afeni was 19, she reached a turning point in her life after she attended a Black Power Conference. Shortly after her experience at the conference, Afeni joined the Black Panther Party and became one of their most active and respected members of all time, even going to jail in 1969 because of her activities with the party which involved bombing charges.

Afeni, who was pregnant with Tupac at the time, defended herself in court and was acquitted in 1971, after putting measures in place to ensure that 20 of her colleagues (The Panther 21) jailed with her would also be released. In interviews, Afeni revealed that one of her specialisations as a Black Panther was organising money for bail for Black Panthers. Former members of the BPP remember Afeni for her leadership style and moral influences.

Her son, Tupac.

Tupac Shakur was born one month after Afeni was released from prison in May of 1971. Afeni’s passion for education as well as her artistic talents in poetry helped to nurture her son in his path to becoming the talented rapper that he is remembered as today. Her influences in Tupac’s music life are eulogised in the 1995 hit single “Dear Mama.”

Tupac Shakur is ranked 86th out of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and is credited as being the most influential rapper ever. He died in 1996.

Her business acumen.

Afeni Shakur’s death is reportedly set to incite a battle over her late son’s estate which was founded one year after his death and generates an annual income of $900,000, some of which come from sales made at Makaveli Branded – a fashion line launched by Afeni seven years after Tupac’s death. This is due to the fact that Afeni – worth $50 million herself – was in the process of divorcing her last husband, Gust Davis, who is making certain legal and financial demands.

However, reports insist that Tupac’s money would not be up for discussion in settling Davis, as Afeni took extra care to ensure that Tupac’s money goes to specifically named charities and family members by setting up a trust without any known loopholes to control all of his music rights. Her meticulousness in preserving her son’s legacy through business and philanthropic endeavours is another reason why Afeni Shakur will not be easily forgotten.

Her philanthropy and Tupac’s legacy.

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Centre for the Arts (TASCA) was founded to offer art programmes to interested young individuals in the United States. It is supported by the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF. Formerly known as Shakur Family Foundation) and provides drama, dance, and creative writing classes to students who cannot otherwise afford such classes. Although TASCA closed down in 2014, its diverse programmes which included cultural exchange helped in developing the artistic abilities of its students.

Afeni Shakur’s memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her former activist colleagues, her son’s fans, and the people in whose lives she played a significant role in changing forever.

Elsewhere on Ventures

Triangle arrow