Legendz

I have to mention the incident at the Tupac Center for the Arts. We have received many emails from ‘souljahs’ offering to go to the Center and stand guard in shifts. One ‘souljah’ even offered his guard dogs to patrol the area.

I even received an email about Afeni Shakur’s statement. They wanted to know how a strong black woman, and a ex Black Panther like Afeni Shakur could ‘forgive’ those who are responsible for such an act toward Tupac, Afeni and the Center.

That got me thinking, because when I first heard the news I was ready to go too – I was mad --- BUT --- the more I thought on it I understand that what Afeni Shakur is showing us is MATURITY.

With the life she (Afeni Shakur) has lead she has learned many things along the way and as it should be with any ‘elder’ we should listen, learn and be inspired by her thinking.

Sometimes showing forgiveness or ‘some form of luv’ toward those who would like to or who have offended you makes you the stronger person. Just think if we could have those feelings with us all the time. When things get a lil crazy in the street and something pops off. How many of us would still be here with us if they or the other person involved showed a lil love or mercy?

I know all the fans of Tupac (2Pac) and many others in the communities where outraged and mad at those involved – BUT I must applaud Afeni Shakur for here statement and her strength in these times; and we can all learn from her. Know we know where 2Pac got a lot of his spirit from.

Some emails said that if Pac was here he would be ‘bustin on them fools’. I really do not believe that. 2Pac would have had one heck of a press conference and maybe dropped another hit em up type song BUT if you really think Tupac Shakur would have started ‘bustin on them fools’ (shooting), then you really don’t understand the man Tupac Shakur.

Please don’t fall for the okie dokie and the mainstream ‘twisting’ of the man Tupac Shakur. Remember even 2Pac said during an interview during the trial in New York “Don’t get it twisted. That ain’t my life. I am making records. I am a business man”.

And also remember the ‘gangsta Pac’ that everyone pushes – was the Death Row Era Tupac and he was only at Suge Knights Death Row for 9 months. He had a whole life of accomplishments before Death Row.

Sure Tupac has some of the hardest gangsta rap tracks out there – they are part of his legacy. He was multi talented. He also has some great hip hop tracks out there. Remember Pac was a street souljah, he spoke on many important issues and exposed many important issues and believed in many important issues. So let’s not think we know what Tupac would do and believe in what his mother is trying to show us by example.

I have mad respect for Afeni Shakur and for all she and entire AMARU camp does in the name of Tupac and what they do for us as the culture of hip hop. Think of it this way – if Afeni was the type to get mad and hold grudges and want revenge – she would hate hip hop and everything associated with it – after all hip hop took her son from her.

We probably will never know the who’s or why’s behind the death of Tupac, but Afeni Shakur does not hold her loss against us and that to is an example of her loving spirit. So PLEASE do not judge her – watch her, listen to her and learn.

Here is Afeni’s statement in case you need to read it again:

"We thank everyone for their prayers and support. Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators. Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings. With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community."

Ok so if you still want to do something make a donation to help put a fence around the Center. Here is information on how to do that:

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation is now in the process of raising money to construct a fence around the parameters of the Center to prevent these types of incidents from occurring again.

Donations can be sent to TASF, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 or at
The TASF Web Site
And at
THE ONLY OFFICIAL TUPAC WEB SITE ON THE NET 2PacLegacy.com

One other Tupac Amaru Shakur Center News Bit

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts will kick off its 2nd Bi-Annual Film Screening with a re-dedication service of the Peace Garden on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 1:00 PM. Following the service will be a film screening and panels from film industry experts. Both events are free to the public.