(AllHipHop News) It is a well-known fact that Afeni Shakur was a member of the Black Panther Party and her death comes as they prepare to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. It has been exclusively told to AllHipHop that just recently – prior to her sudden passing – Afeni had been discussing the anniversary festivities and events.
Jamal Joseph, a renown Black Panther Alumni, author and activist, expressed deep loss at Afeni’s passing.
[ALSO READ: 2Pac’s Mother & Activist Afeni Shakur Reported Dead At 69]
“My heart is broken into a million pieces,” Jamal Joseph told AllHipHop.com. “Afeni taught me more about being a man than any other man or woman.”
Afeni Shakur and Jamal were a key figures in the Harlem branch of the Black Panther Party and went to trial together. Afeni was one of only two women who went on trial as part of The Panther 21, a group of New York-based Black Panthers that were illegally and falsely persecuted by the State of New York. They faced put to 300 years each for conspiracy to plan bombings and long-range shootings on NYPD and other education office in New York City.
It became the longest and most expensive trial in New York history.
Though they had a team of lawyers, Afeni chose to act as her own lawyer and defend herself. Eventually all 21 members were acquitted.
“This is a woman, even if she hadn’t given birth to Tupac, that we should still be celebrating, ” Jamal Joseph said on Afeni. Jamal was the youngest of The Panther 21 and was extremely close to her.
https://twitter.com/jjpantherbaby/status/727544210950348801
Now, with Afeni’s death, the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party takes on renewed importance and will honor the many others who have since passed.
The National Alumni Association of the Black Panther Party (NAABPP), their family and supporters will convene from October 21st – 23rd, 2016 to host “The Convening For Freedom” in Oakland, CA. The historic weekend will be the first ever gathering of its kind to bring together former members of the Black Panther Party together with young activists from today’s Black Lives Matter movement.
“In honor of 2016 being the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party, the National Alumni Association of the Black Panther Party is inviting Black organizers and activists, allies and supporters world wide to Oakland, California for a weekend of arts, music and intergenerational convening of the past present and future of the Black freedom struggle,” a statement read.
The alumni of the Black Panther Party have continued to seek support for their efforts. Click below to donate:
https://www.generosity.com/celebration-fundraising/yearofthepanther-convening-for-freedom
Send checks or money Orders:
National Alumni Association of the Black Panther
Party P.O. Box 7978
Garden City, New York, 11530
#NAABPP
#YearOfThePanther
#RIPAfeniShakur