Dr. Mutulu Shakur has been denied release at his April 2018. This decision was appealed by his attorney and a response from Dr. Mutulu Shakur is forthcoming, so please stay tuned.
Release Denied at April 2018 Hearing
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Author Archives: Family and Friends
April 18, 2018 in Puerto Rico – Health, Dignity and Poverty: A Human Rights Issue w/ Dr. Mario Wexu and Walter Bosque
Sophia Dawson Exhibition
Correspondence: Art by Sophia Dawson
#tobefreeproject
February 3, 2018, 6:30pm
Okay Space Gallery: 281 N 7th Street
2018 New Year’s Letter
Peace,
Firstly, I would like to ask for your forgiveness for such a long delay in responding to your letters of support, encouragement, seasons greetings and most importantly your individual requests. My delay is not indicative of disregard in any way– rather this last period, which has special implications in the Trump Era calls for response and flexibility concerning various time tables. We are pleased to see that you, many others, and many nations in the world have been responding to disengagement of democracy and instigation of cultural division, as well as assessing of the impact on the financially divided.
Some of you have used your political capital to try to improve and maintain some sort of healthcare predictability against all odds. At this point, it seems the struggle should remain vigilant. To this point, I was shocked and disappointed to hear that the acupuncture availability, as spread by our barefoot doctors, the second, and third generation of Lincoln Detox, and BAANA (Black Acupuncture Association of North America) has been reduced within municipal hospitals for the treatment of drug addiction. This will adversely impact a large population that may not be able to access the open clinics that we provide as opposed to the general costly boutique clinics.
I must also mention that I was humbled to receive the 2017 Black Power Award honoring me for such pioneering work related to acupuncture for drug withdrawal, general healing treatment, and accessibility in underserved communities. The reality dictates that the history and struggle be memorialized comprehensively, so I have been engrossed in trying to do such. Handling the research from behind these walls is a challenge– talk about time consuming!!– especially with other demands such as recruiting for the TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission). The acknowledgement of the fact of the deprived and forgotten provides an opportunity to insert a conflict resolution process, aim at remedies for the possibilities that would lessen the loss of many innocent victims on both sides of the past violent conflict.
The TRC is a vision I wish existed when I was drafted during my initial enlistment in the conflict of the 60s, up until my indictment. Truly the pain is overdue for healing, and the initial process consists of enlisting those of all walks of life within our “Diaspora.” This pursuit has left me little time to write poems, write a good song, and frankly there are times I believe I’ve lost the desire for romance =), though I sincerely hope that’s not true. In all candor, we can see the truth of the quote, “In the long run, we hit only what we aim at…aim high.” (David Thoreau).
Even though I was not directly involved in the A&E documentary special concerning my son, it continues to hearten me that there is enough public interest and concern related to my sons’ legacy that a five part series can hold the attention of a broad audience. I’m hoping all the positive that Tupac has done will be kept in proper perspective, for he surely reminds us of what a possibility can be. Afeni fought a tremendous struggle to define and maintain his legacy, to hold onto “some” of his resource against all odds.
This project demonstrates that two contradictions can exist at the same time, and that multiple interests can work together for the same objective, toward different ends, completely unaware of one another and have plausible deniability. It is not in pursuit of revenge, but in the protection of the lessons learned that we search for the “TRUTH.” The truth is out there.
The transition of an extraordinary poet, George Edward Tait, was a tremendous loss. He forged a path through our souls with his art, and was founder of my support community “Friends and Family.” Tait fought royally and courageously for the gift of present life. He reminded us that the afterlife was just as powerful– this was his belief. He will always be in my heart, and we thank him for ALL that he has done throughout my incarceration.
We are so proud of the Black Women of Alabama for the way they used their political capital in electing Douglas Jones over Roy Moore. It’s a clear example to be followed nationally, as each state has it’s own priorities, and the process can be effected by the power and organization of Black Women. We honor them! It’s a fitting remembrance of the four young innocent black girls, killed by the Klan in the church bombing in Alabama in 1964.
As for your individual requests, concerns, and inquiries. I would ask you to visit my website (mutulushakur.com) to see if any of the answers you seek are there. No documents are a complete thought, so I’m sure you may need an explanation. Please use those documents for the basis of your inquiries, so that I can be specific to your request, concerns, and questions as we usher in this new year.
Again, I apologize for the delay. I hope you stay in touch, and engage, and know that I truly appreciate all that everyone has done for me and others in the struggle for freedom. Particular in this era of institutional contradiction, and moral decay, no one agrees as to what is normal, but we all understand suffering, and oppression, it has no ideological tag.
I have nothing but Love for my Family who have suffered many losses, with dignity. I apologize for any undo burden I have caused, but they know that the Shakur’s path has been written, that we honor the suffering, and try to have an impact for the better of us all at a great cost. I love them all, and support all that support them. Remember the LOVE, PASSION, and SACRIFICES. Remember the Shakurs and ALL the innocent victims of both sides of this conflict.
The pathway to Equality, Empowerment and Justice ought not need violence. Peace must be invested with an apparatus and a process. My search has directed me to the TRC, which has proven to allow for possibility of peace when interjected with a process in the midst of violent conflict and post violent conflict. With the reality of the existence of many innocent victims, I believe and demand we preempt violent conflict with a TRC process to forward Peace and Reconciliation. The objective of the Commission is to bear witness to, record, and in some cases, grant amnesty to the perpetrators of crimes and human rights violations, as well as foster reparation and rehabilitation. The TRC can not be a cure all, but it can expose the painful truth and, in doing so, lead the people from trauma and polarization to a greater collective understanding of the suffering they passed through. Such examples are the religious troubles of Northern Ireland, the tribal genocide in Rwanda, and the racial apartheid in South Africa. Who can deny the need for intervention in Myanmar for the Ruhingya people? I’m pained, and my soul is scarred, by the harm caused by my actions in the conflict. We must search for a better way; ALL sides must address their own responsibility to the conflict, reconciliation, and resolution. It is said, “Once you know better, you do better.”
We should not let hate or vengeance distract our vigilance to secure our human rights. Let us honor the legacy of Erica Garner who also passed all too soon in 2017.
Thank You All!
Picture Me Rollin
AIM HIGH and GO ALL OUT!!
MUD AND WATER
DR. MUTULU SHAKUR
August Update from Dr. Mutulu Shakur
Family, Friends:
Thank you for continuing to show your support. I always take pleasure in learning about your varied pursuits in today’s era. Many of your letters offer new insight into the many changes taking place, and your questions give pause to reflect on your perspective.
We are now preparing for the United States Parole Commission’s unprincipled resistance and failure to follow due process in an incremental manner. It continues to be important for you to submit support letters concerning my ability to get a fair hearing, as well as my capabilities to integrate without being a threat to the community and to continue to be of purpose; contrary to what they allege. Judicial and legislative branches have left us all amiss as to what we can expect in this turbulent period. Ironically, it is not apparent if moral consciousness has yet had the prevailing effect over the abuse of power, and expectation of due process.
As you know, “All Eyez On Me” was released this summer and received mixed reviews. I have yet to see the film, but I have been in contact with the actor who portrayed me, Jamie Hector. I find it refreshing to have an established artist make contact to determine if his work has done a historical role justice. I am humbled through the sincerity of our interaction, and his intention; the yearning in his search for the truth is revealing. Again, I have not seen the film, but from all personal comments and reviews, Jamie has done justice to my character and did not disrespect the legacy of the Shakurs. I was also very pleased that Afeni was portrayed by Danai Gurira, of The Walking Dead. She has a natural essence similar to Afeni, evident in her role as “Machone.” I am also told that she will continue her role in the upcoming Black Panther movie.
From our conversations, it was apparent that Jamie acknowledges the complexity of the struggles of those times. Clearly, I cannot determine whether or not the movie or characters captured the essence of the movement in its totality or the legacy of my son justly. Knowing that Tupac was birthed in the intense struggle of the Black Power movement, his life journey manifested the wounds of that era’s conflicts. Many questions have been raised, as to ‘how we got there.’
A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) process, utilized all over the world most notably in South Africa, offers a process available to all sides hopefully. Further interaction with Jamie and others will encourage the social appetite of artists to invest in the TRC process. There is a new timely rule, initiated by a report and recommendation by U.N. Rapporteur Juan Mendez and accepted by the U.N. General Assembly, know as the “Nelson Mandela Rule.” I support the “Nelson Mandela Project” with the Jericho Movement.
I have been selected to be recognized at the 2017 Annual Black Power Awards in Georgia. I still need more information and background about the event, but I am truly honored to be recognized amongst peers who have learned like me the many lessons from the earlier Black Power period.
Kalief Browder, a young man who committed suicide after three years of wrongful incarceration at Rikers
We all have our work cut out for us, but we also need to acknowledge the efforts of one another: Jamie Hector and the successes of the Moving Mountains film and acting school for at-risk youth; Sophia Dawson and brother Peekaso for their artistic expression in advocacy of political prisoners– Sophia recently presented an exhibit reflecting the path of our struggle at the Bronx Museum’s Biennial showcase and Peekaso demonstrated his painting talents while on stage during a live concert while both artists have created and presented exceptional paintings of me and others in raising awareness to cases, for which we are grateful; Celebrated acupuncturist and healer, comrade Tatsuo Hirano, has put forth efforts to establish an acupuncture treatment program within the California penal system to treat prisoner-patients for symptoms of P.T.S.D. and post-incarceration Syndrome (PICS), by implementing the Lincoln Detox acupuncture protocols continuing our legacy; Chokwe Lumumba and his son, both great men, have been elected by citizens of Jackson, Mississippi as mayors; both are historical victories. We are elated!! Prior to his passing, Chokwe Lumumba Sr. was Tupac’s attorney as well as mine, and a brother in our struggle. We are proud of his son and very optimistic about the future; Colin Kaepernick for willfully jeopardizing his career in protest of police shootings of unarmed civilians (his actions charge us that there are sacrifices and consequences for raising awareness to injustice, we have the responsibility to demonstrate support; otherwise people like Colin will continue to be marginalized and punished for their peaceful protest); Jay-Z recently did great work on the Kalief Browder documentary and editorial in Time Magazine regarding the broken and discriminatory bail system in the United States; Dr. Sonnee Weedn has done amazing research and development of brain imaging, to which we hope to remain engaged.
We are very pleased to have received official support from our Harlem congressman for my release on parole in 2018. I prevail that we should continue our efforts in pursuit of congressional support and political capital towards the end goal of releasing our prisoners. Time is not on our side– I’m sure there is more, but space will not allow. Truthfully, I do not have the time to correspond individually; hopefully this gives respect to your letters and concerns.
I want to recognize and say ‘thank you’ to everyone on social media who continues to show their support through Twitter and Facebook. I encourage you to reach out to the tech squad if you’d like to be involved with upcoming projects they are organizing, such as art shows for political prisoners awareness. Stay connected as we continue ‘straight ahead.’
“Colin can’t get work, Mutulu still in jail, why Philando and Sandra never made bail?”
Mud and Water
‘Pray for Me and Picture Me Rollin’
Dr. Shakur featured in ‘Ancestors of Liberation Acupuncture’
James Shelton and Kate Kampmann from the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) have created a series of images honoring 7 people whose life’s work contributed greatly to what we now term Liberation Acupuncture. These are the Ancestors of Liberation Acupuncture.
Gustavo Gutierrez was born in Lima, Peru in 1928. He is an originator and leading proponent of Liberation Theology. The phrase, “a preferential option for the poor” is attributed to him. If a practice doesn’t work for the poorest people, then it doesn’t work. This ethos is foundational to Liberation Acupuncture.
Ignacio Martín-Baró was born in Spain in 1942. He worked largely in El Salvador. A proponent of Liberation Psychology, Baró was adamant that a practice had to be useful and valuable to the popular majority. One could not import a European styled psychology for a Central American peasantry with their differing experiences of imperialism and poverty. Similarly, Liberation Acupuncture must adapt the delivery of healthcare to the
needs of the underserved American people. Baró was assassinated by the US-trained El Salvadorian Army in 1989.
Master Tung Ching Chang was born in Shandong Province, China. c. 1916. He moved to Taiwan during the Chinese revolution. His family lineage of acupuncture used a very different system than what became known as Traditional Chinese Medicine. He would have been prosecuted if he had not conformed. Tung’s acupuncture makes great use of distal points, allowing him to treat 100 people in a day and making it ideal for community acupuncture. Master Tung also stepped out of his family tradition by training many outside practitioners, including Miriam Lee.
Mutulu Shakur was born in Baltimore, in 1950. Shakur became the assistant director of the Lincoln Detox, a community organized drug detoxification clinic in an occupied building at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx, which was founded in 1970 by the Black Panther Party, the Republic of New Afrika, and the Young Lords. After its closing Shakur went on to found the Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America (BAAANA) as well as the Harlem Institute of Acupuncture. He sought to utilize affordable acupuncture for oppressed, underserved communities. A member of the Black Liberation Army, Shakur has been incarcerated since 1986. There is an ongoing campaign for freedom.
Summer 2017 Legal Update
Your support is meaningful; it provides valuable insight into the ever evolving world and culture outside these penitentiary walls. I find inspiration in your expressions of compassion, dedication and curiosity.
I continue to dedicate myself to the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. We all must search our hearts for the strength to heal, use our creativity to teach, express ourselves and continue to learn. Consider that in today’s time, over 600,000 opioid and opioid derivatives are prescribed everyday in this country. The struggle against addiction is where we began; today it continues and we must find ways to contribute and have an impact.
The fight for freedom is ongoing; from the denial of mandatory parole to Obama’s non-response to my Clemency petition. I will again be considered for parole in 2018. We are conducting a comparative analysis of those granted pardons and those denied. The basis for those decisions can indicate useful information and insight into the unprecedented current political climate of fake news and disinformation. We must “Stay Woke,” just as Erykah Badu has encouraged us.
The arts have always played a role as a catalyst for change. Production of the biopics, “All Eyez on Me” and “Resurrection,” indicate that our culture continues to demand inspiration. I have been contributing to the production of a documentary focused on the Lincoln Detox and BAAANA clinics. These projects are about defining our legacies and ensuring their survival. The Tupac Amaru legacy has and will continue to penetrate culture around the world; this is on my oath.
You are able to continue showing your support by writing a letter to the US Parole Commission in preparation for my 2018 hearing. Details on where and when to send the letter to Family and Friends of Mutulu Shakur will be posted on www.mutulushakur.com. I look forward to a brighter 2018 and the manifestation of dreams yet to come.
Pray for me and picture me rollin’,
Dr. Mutulu Shakur
Rastafarian-Quaker and Dr. Shakur protégé, Jondhi Harrell, fighting for returning citizens in Philly
“I’m a Rastafarian-Quaker,” said Jondhi Harrell, easing back into his chair at the Friends Center, where the administrative office of Harrell’s nonprofit The Center for Returning Citizens (TCRC) is located.
“I know. It’s weird.”
Maybe at first, but comparisons between the two religions have been drawn before. The Atlantic in 2010 pointed to an excerpt from a 1966 paper on the Rastafari movement. Both Rastafarians and Quakers, the author writes, have notably refused to “modify their beliefs when confronted by a hostile society.”
Much like Jamaican Rastafaris and 17th-century Philadelphia Quakers, Harrell has refused to modify the beliefs he’s come to hold since returning home from prison in 2009. The nonprofit founder spent 25 years incarcerated for armed robbery. Eighteen years were in federal prison, 12 of those were spent “under the tutelage” of Black nationalist Mutulu Shakur.
Shakur’s guidance, Harrell said, created the “foundation” for the man he is, the beliefs he holds and the vision he’s striving to make manifest.
Dr. Shakur Responds to Clemency Campaign
Friends, Family, Supporters and Organizers,
I am most thankful and humbled by what we have accomplished. Together, we accumulated and verified 28,000 signatures is support of a grant of Executive Clemency, in merely 60 day’s time!
I wish to honor and show my appreciation for those who signed on, and for the tireless efforts of the organizers. Everyday I am reminded of the importance of striving for the common good and continue to be motivated by examples of people taking responsibility in bringing about the changes they seek. I am hopeful that this process will indicate that we can and will resist the abuses of power and discretion. Indeed, hope is alive and well!
January 19th has come and gone, President Barack Obama has left his post in the highest of offices in the United States of America, without rendering a decision on a grant of Executive Clemency. The fate of the petition is now in the hands of the the Trump Administration and beyond that we will be left to petition to the federal courts.
Let us channel all anger and outrage over this non-response and other human rights violations to remain engaged and committed to make change possible throughout this challenging historical time we are now facing. We will continue to need your continued support until my freedom is obtained and look forward to working together.
Keep struggling for the common good. Please visit www.mutulushakur.com and/or [email protected], for the latest news and to continue to demonstrate your on-going support.
Thank you!
Rare Breed Honors Dr. Shakur as Abu
During the summer of 2011, I was reunited with my Abu & life long mentor, Dr. Mutulu Shakur. I had been serving 2 life sentences plus 30 years for conspiracy to possess crack cocaine, none of which were introduced in court nor found upon my person…nevertheless, I was given this time because of my ignorance of the drug laws, my inability to see into my educational, cultural and social background. Many people cannot remember or actually point to a particular individual or group of individuals that has helped them transition out of his or her negative past of immature decisions/choices. However, this is not my experience. Because for me it was Dr. Shakur who at the alpha of our much need reunion knew that he had to began educating me as to my ignorance, or I would become even more destructive than I was during such time as a teen high school drop-out, drug dealer, and so much more. Continue reading