The Lantern: In 1971 you successfully defended yourself while on trial. Can you paint the picture as to how you felt during that time?

Afeni Shakur: I was arrested in ’69 and acquitted in ’71. Being pregnant in itself was a huge thing for me. When I was arrested in ’69 it was my impression as a woman that I could not hold a baby. When I discovered I was pregnant under those circumstances it was mind-boggling and frightening because I absolutely believed that I would be convicted and that I would spend 300 plus years in jail, which essentially meant I would die in jail. My main concern was what was going to happen to this baby. It was difficult for me because I had to make decisions about my baby.

TL: Out of all the struggles you’ve faced, what was the hardest for you to get through?

AS: The hardest to get through, without even hesitating, was the killing and the murder of my son. That was the most difficult because everything in me was dried. We already know what my history was and my son was murdered by another African-American. Aside from the raw grief and pain of losing my son, I had an intense desire that my son now is not an instrument of some more pain. What I did was try to turn the pain of his death into a victory. The reason I could do that was because of everything I had learned from my life.

TL: You’ve done admirable work to keep Tupac’s legacy going strong. How do you feel as his mother releasing his work?AS: To me this is the easiest thing to do. One of the reasons is, I probably have the most if not more, respect for my son as any young person. I have an intense amount of respect for him as an artist, person, writer and as a man. The way to take the sting out of his death was to give him the opportunity that he had completed to be seen by the people who he felt were his people.

TL: How do you feel about the state of black culture today?

AS: Pained, basically. Pained but ever hopeful. Pain not only of the culture of black people, but of human beings in this country. We take for granted those things for which other people have sacrificed so much for. We pretend we have absolute rights for them and that nothing can bother us. Our culture sits there and where we’re heading is not on solid ground.

TL: From speaking tonight what do you feel young people need to learn?

AS: There is so much young people need to learn. I’ll say the basic thing they need to learn is to reason.

TL: Both you and your son attended performing arts schools. What is the importance of the arts to young people?

AS: In all that I’ve said before, with such sadness, arts is the key to burst out of that. Arts has the ability to quickly change a lot of people and nothing else can do that. I think that the more young people are intimate and comfortable with art as a personal tool, the more they have the ability to survive in a world that is full of disappointment.

TL: In working with the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, what joy do you get from seeing the kids you help?

AS: You have to know that it is everything. It is everything to us, especially because bringing this center into fruition, is that not many people would focus on something like this over a long period of time. It is an institution for young people and all people to learn new ways to resolve conflicts. It is a safe place where young people from around the world can come and work with every kind of art. Because Tupac’s blood was violently shed, it is important to us that we address this as his sacrifice.

After the interview Shakur conducted her talk in the Ohio Union’s West Ballroom Wednesday night.

Her honesty and wisdom as she spoke painted a portrait of the oppression and pain that she fought. Through her words Shakur illuminated current issues with a clear balance of humor and caution, always making a connection to her past. She experienced what many could never imagine and her story was her testament.

Much of her focus was on young people. Her words were drowned in sadness at times when she discussed the violence that is taking our youth. Shakur was even comfortable when discussing her drug addictions, all the more proof that she is a tower of hope and achievement.

Shakur is a woman of distinction and of great respect, making sure to pay respects to recently passed activist, Coretta Scott King. She spoke of sorrow and joy, making sure to connect the life of her son the way only a mother could. Shakur embodies passion, integrity, truth and courage; all the qualities of a fierce warrior and strong mother.

To learn more about Afeni Shakur and TASCA, visit tasf.org.