Mutulu Shakur – the stepfather of the legendary Tupac Shakur a.k.a 2Pac a.k.a Makaveli – is set to be released from prison after 35 years. Known for social activism and leading the revolution against African-American racism and advocating for black civil rights and ‘separatism’, Shakur was sentenced to sixty years in imprisonment after he led a group of revolutionaries in a string of armed robberies across New York and Connecticut in 1988. While his supporters consider him to be a “political prisoner”, Shakur was indicted on Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Activities Act (popularly stylized as the RICO Act).
Tupac’s step-father is set to be released on parole in December. Shakur suffers from several health issues, most significantly stage-3 multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that can severely affect bones and kidneys. Presently, Shakur is undergoing medical care at the Lexington’s federal medical care center.
Jomo Mohammad, a prominent member of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, expressed “disbelief” at the revelation. “There’s still disbelief because we were steadying ourselves for another denial. Now folks are excited about being able to reunite Mutulu with his family. We were crying together. It’s a long time overdue.” Mohammad said.
Shakur will be monitored for up to four months post his parole, the authorities have confirmed.
Mutulu Shakur is one of the many African-Americans put under trial for the RICO Act. While Shakur stands accused of serious crimes, the iconic emcee and lyricist Young Thug – real name Jeffery Lamar Williams – has been kept under prison along with Young Slime Life’s rapper Gunna for alleged ties with America’s ‘Bloods’ gang since January this year. The trial is still on-going.
