Afeni Shakur, the mother of the late rap legend Tupac Shakur, passed away at age 69 on Monday. She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her home in Sausalito, Calif., Monday night and was pronounced dead just before 10:30 p.m. at a local hospital.
NY Daily News — Shakur, born Alice Faye Williams, changed her name when she moved to New York City and joined the Black Panther movement. She and other party members were arrested in 1969 and charged with conspiracy to bomb multiple, busy city landmarks.
In May 1971, she was acquitted on all charges — and she gave birth to Tupac just one month later.
She was the subject of his 1995 song “Dear Mama,” in which Tupac detailed his childhood struggles and respect for his mother.
“There’s no way I can pay you back/But the plan is to show you that I understand/You are appreciated,” he rapped.
Thanks to loyal readers Craikista F. and Kimberly R. for the tips.