One of the most preeminent members of the Black Panther Party, Afeni Shakur, (Born Alice Faye Williams) has passed on. Afeni Shakur who is the mother of seminal U.S. rapper Tupac, was a political activist, revolutionary and philanthropist. She died at the age of 69.
Afeni was undoubtedly an inspiration and she made a lasting impression on Tupac, reflected through his music. In remembrance of Afeni, we look at some of her well-known quotes, excerpts from an interview she gave after Tupac’s death.
Through her encouraging words as a political activist and philanthropist Afeni leaves an indelible mark and a great legacy, which will continue to inspire future generations. May she rest in eternal peace.
1. “For us, we’re trouble makers, because why wouldn’t we be trouble makers in a society that has no respect for us.” Excerpt from interview with Davey D, 1997, a year after Tupac’s death.
2. “Tupac used to comment on people who criticized him for cursing, as a matter of fact he said, this is just about verbatim, ‘As I walked into this hall, I passed a young child who was hungry. There is not a bigger curse than a young child hungry’.” Taken from interview with Davey D, 1997.
3. “Tupac had 25 years and he did 25 years worth of wonderful work. What the next person needs to know in whatever years they are allotted to them, is what have they done?” .” Taken from interview with Davey D, 1997.
4. “You need not weep for Tupac, but weep for yourself, because we are left here with these contradictions that we still must face”. Quoted from interview with Davey D, 1997.
5. “Remember to keep yourself alive, there is nothing more important than that.” From Tupac’s song, Ghetto Gospel.
Tributes have been pouring in for Shakur on social media and we look at some of them:
https://twitter.com/jozenc/status/727499999727214592
https://twitter.com/1youngsoul/status/727501540819361792
https://twitter.com/LebaneseGoku/status/727523828889329665
Source: Twitter and Davey D
