Mutulu Shakur, political P.O.W. and Tupac’s stepfather, transitions

By MALAKI 17 ALLAH

Special to the AmNews

“The struggle was never about me, but for the will of the people,” Mutulu Shakur declared in a petition for his release.

The grassroots community has been deeply saddened upon learning that Dr. Mutuku Shakur, 72, a Black Liberation Army activist and stepfather to Tupac Shakur, succumbed to bone marrow cancer on July 6. A janazaa was held this past Monday at Atlanta’s Masjid Ash Shura, presided by Imam Frukwon. Shakur’s body was also interred there.

Widespread social media tributes to Shakur have been posted.

“Dr. Mutulu Shakur taught us that ‘people struggle for liberation because they love [the] people,’” the New Afrikan People’s Organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement said in a joint statement. “He will always be remembered for his continued commitment to an independent and socialist New Afrika and for his battle cry, ‘Straight Ahead!’”

As a political prisoner of war,

Shakur had been incarcerated for 36 years before being granted compassionate parole in December 2022. Reportedly, he went to stay with his family in Southern California. Despite Bureau of Prisons doctors saying in May 2022 that Mutulu had less than six months to live, it wasn’t until after an October hearing that the federal parole commission granted his release.

Talib Shakur mentioned his siblings Mopreme, Sekyiwa, Nzingha, Ayiza and Chinwa; before reflecting on his father: “He changed a lot of people’s lives out here and while in captivity. I’ve been in contact with several people who were incarcerated with him, who have said how much he’s helped them out. He’s a healer to our community. He did it for the love he has for his people. I’m honored to be one of Dr. Shakur’s children,”

“Comrade Mutulu Shakur: veteran of the Revolutionary Action Movement, Republic of New Afrika & Black Liberation Army leader, fighter and political prisoner of 36 yrs passes on to the ancestors. We stay loyal to your path,” posted the

His transition was announced via Instagram the following day with an illustration of Shakur and a caption reading, “Our beloved Mutulu joined the ancestors this morning at home with family. Please bless him on his path and we will share more soon. Rest in power and love.”

Born Jeral Wayne Williams on Aug. 8, 1950, Shakur became known as a healer, administering acupuncture to treat heroin

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