Photo Courtesy of Twitter (@superchrismarsh)
Mutulu Shakur, Tupac Shakur’s stepfather and prominent activist for Black liberation, died on Friday, July 7, at 72.
The New Afrikan People’s Organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement announced Mutulu’s death, confirming he “transitioned” while surrounded by family and loved ones.
“Mutulu’s life was transformative to the many people he organized, healed, mentored and inspired,” a press release read. “Dr. Mutulu Shakur taught us that ‘people struggle for liberation because they love [the] people.’ He will always be remembered for his continued commitment to an independent and socialist New Afrika and for his battle cry, Straight Ahead!”
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Mutulu died after suffering from stage-3 multiple myeloma, which is why he was released from prison in December, enabling him to spend his final days with family and friends.
Per a Sis2Sis report, Mutulu was sentenced to 35 years in 1988 due to his association and involvement in civil rights groups that robbed a Brink truck in 1981, resulting in the deaths of a security guard and police officers.
After Mutulu’s diagnosis, the Movement attempted to fight for his release due to his chronic health issues. But the court didn’t see his condition validated parole until November 2022 when a US Attorney ruled his “medical condition rendered [him] so infirm of mind and body” to where he wasn’t “physically capable of committing any federal, State, or local crime.”
Mutulu (real name Jeral Wayne Williams) was born on Aug. 8, 1950, and grew into an incredible father of six (and stepfather to renowned rapper Tupac), grandfather and acupuncturist who aimed to improve healthcare for the Black community.
As co-founder and Co-Director of the Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America (BAAANA) and the Harlem Institute of Acupuncture, Dr. Mutulu Shakur treated many poor and elderly patients without access to proper treatment. He also tended to many community leaders, activists, lawyers and doctors.