Afeni Shakur: Revolutionary's Evolution

Renowned actress and Afeni Shakur's trusted friend, Jasmine Guy, reveals the evolution of a woman through a series of intimate conversations on themes such as love, death, race, drugs, politics, music, and, of course, her son, in this searing work. Afeni Shakur, one of the most visible figures in both the hip-hop and civil rights movements, shares her moral and spiritual development in an innovative memoir spanning four decades.

Before becoming one of the most well-known members of the Black Power movement, Alice Faye Williams was not unlike any other poor, African American girl growing up in the impoverished South. However, when her family moved to New York during the radical sixties, she became intoxicated by the promise of social change. By the time she turned twenty-one, Alice had a new name—Afeni Shakur, derived from the Yoruba term for "lover of people"—and a new vision for the future. The rest is history.

In 1969, Afeni was arrested along with other members of the Black Panther party on 189 felony charges that included 30 counts of conspiracy. Though she was eventually acquitted of the charges, Afeni spent eleven months in jail before being released. Once on bail, she became pregnant with a son: Tupac Amaru Shakur, a rap megastar until his tragic death in 1996.

Filled with startling revelations and heartbreaking truths, Afeni's memoir is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the perseverance of the African American people. This searing work provides a window into the evolution of a woman who, despite the challenges she faced, remained a prominent figure in both the hip-hop and civil rights movements.

Jasmine Guy's intimate conversations with Afeni Shakur reveal the depth and complexity of her experiences, from the impoverished South to the radical activism of the sixties, and the profound impact of her son's legacy. Through this memoir, readers are given a rare glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who refused to be defined by the obstacles she encountered, and instead chose to use her voice and her story to inspire and empower others.

The result is a captivating and poignant narrative that not only illuminates the personal journey of Afeni Shakur but also sheds light on the broader social and political landscapes that shaped her life. This book stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to bridge the divide between past and present, individual and community.

product information: