Afeni Shakur: In Her Defense Short Play & Exhibit

SHORT PLAY & EXHIBIT CELEBRATES THE 40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE AQUITTAL OF THE NEW YORK PANTHER 21

Atlanta, GA – A short play and gallery exhibit opens in Stone Mountain, Georgia commemorating one woman’s successful self defense in the trial of the New York Panther 21. Afeni Shakur, mother of renowned Tupac Amaru Shakur, was among several leaders in the Black Panther Party who were charged in a conspiracy to blow up New York City department stores, subway stations, and police stations. Despite the advice of co-counsel, the court, husband, and friends, Afeni Shakur, facing over 200 years in jail, defended herself against all 156 charges at the young age of 24 while pregnant with son, Tupac Shakur.

Using court records, the short play and gallery exhibit will feature her: original opening statement, cross-examination of an undercover informant, and an eloquent closing statement. The exhibit includes original TV news coverage (from 1969-1971) anchored by CBS’ Walter Cronkite and others. The play also captures her innermost thoughts and feelings after being released on a $100,000 bail bond raised by communities, churches, celebrities and activists including Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, Jane Fonda, and Barbara Ann and Fredrica Teer, only to have her bail revoked and returned to jail.

The play and exhibit opens on May 13 at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, exactly 40 years from the day of Afeni Shakur’s acquittal, with a special commemorative VIP showing that will include food and live music.

The play, originally compiled by Tre’ Maxie, is written and directed by Hilda Willis — recently noted for her rolein “Mad at Miles.” Proceeds from the play will benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation — a 501(c)3 public charity in DeKalb County dedicated to serving Atlanta Metropolitan youth through arts & culture, gardening, leadership training, and conflict resolution. For more information about the play & exhibit, community rental space, youth programs, and summer camps call 404.298.4222 or visit www.tasf.org.