Afeni Shakur, mother of Tupac and former Black Panther, has passed away.
While the specific cause of Shakur’s death has yet to be confirmed, it’s reported that the 69-year-old died from cardiac arrest Monday night in her Sausalito, CA home. The Marin County Sheriff’s Department did confirm her death on Twitter.
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Born Alice Faye Williams, Shakur changed her name when she moved to New York City and joined the Black Panther movement in the 60s. In 1969, she was arrested along with other members and charged with conspiracy to bomb landmarks. She acted as her own defense attorney and was acquitted of all charges in May 1971, she gave birth to Tupac Shakur shortly after.
Afeni Shakur will always be remembered as the strong mother, who was lovingly praised in her son Tupac’s iconic song “Dear Mama,” and the woman who continued to carry on her son’s legacy after his tragic death in 1996.
Rest in peace, Afeni.
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