Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary

by Jasmine Guy

Book Overview

Afeni Shakur, one of the most visible figures in both the hip-hop and civil rights movements, reveals her moral and spiritual development in an innovative memoir spanning four decades.Before becoming one of the most well-known members of the Black Power movement, Alice Faye Williams was not unlike any other poor, African American girl growing up in the impoverished South. But when her family moved to New York during the radical sixties, she became...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743470540
• ISBN13: 9780743470544
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Thanks for the Memories

Being a contemporary of Afeni and also a graduate graduate of a historically black college and university, this book hit home so many times, while bringing fond memories in the process. I have, in many instances while reading the same page of the book, both laughed and cried. I also have A son who was Afeni's son's contemporary and can only imagine the hurt she feels over the loss of her only. I am impressed with the writing and delivery of this book. My big sunday hat goes off to Jasmine Guy who has so eloquently personified the saying "you can't tell a book by looking at its cover." I didn't think I could truly enjoy any writing besides those of J. California Cooper (read them all and waiting for the next one), but found myself equally engaged in this one. I am glad that, after attending a Hugh Masekela booksigning, I came away with his signed CD and Jasmine and Afeni's book. Thanks for the memories and the black history refresher.

Just Because She's Pretty Doesn't Mean She Can't Write

Jasmine Guy's conversation with and translation of Afeni Shakur gives new definition of the word artist. Guy makes us understand the importance of this revolutionary woman, not because she was Tupac's mother, but because she is a woman of strength and substance and courage who tried to change things socially in this country during some very scary times for African Americans. Though Afeni Shakur did not live a flawless life, we understand the importance that a mother has in admitting her mistakes and learning from them. I completed this book wanting to be a better, more understanding mother.

Entertaining and Educational- A Must Read

I purchased this book the day it was released and read it in a few days, and while I'm just now writing my review, I must say that the story is still very fresh in my mind as it is not one to be easily forgotten. The dialogue is real and frank. I felt as if I had a true understanding of Afeni and the demons she struggled with from her childhood on. Afeni is an intelligent woman with a past full of problems, including her crack addiction that she has now overcome. She is a woman who makes no excuses for what she has done and never absorbed herself in the compliments Jasmine gave her. She makes no excuses for her mistakes, and that's what I appreciated most of all. That's were I felt her strength. Now, Afeni Shakur seems somewhat at peace, very family-oriented, and prepared to handle all that Tupac left behind. I also understand how Tupac wrote such profound music, including, of course, Dear Mama, lyrics that ring true to what he saw around him. I felt that Jasmine Guy did a wonderful job of writing the story and was an interesting narrator. Reading this book was an event for me. Much better than TV. I would curl up on my sofa or in my bed and never skip one word or any pages as I read. Often, I felt like I was sitting right beside them. I also enjoyed how the reader was able to get a glimpse into Jasmine's life. I purchased the book because I wanted to get to know the woman who birthed the musical genius Tupac, and I came away with a great understanding of who Afeni Shakur was and how her life evolved.

Fantastic, warm- hearted and moving...

From the preface to the end, Ms. Guy writes a profound story of the evolution of a woman who is much more than the mother of a superstar genious.Each piece of Afeni Shakur's story is well-told and clear. You feel totally connected to the story as it relates to humanity. Make no mistake this is Afeni's story; but enough of Jasmine's Guy's sensibilities that makes her an integral part and enough of Tupac and Sekyiwa to get a picture of this woman's journey.Jasmine Guy pulls you in from the beginning and keeps you there.The bibliography of the books lists as a biography & autobiography; that is because both voices (Guy & Shakur)are exceptional and distinct. This book gives you sacred insight into women who are grounded and sincere.Phenomenally done ladies; you are in my prayers!This is an absolute must read for everyone.

Excellent!

I was totally immersed in the conversations between Afeni and Jasmine. I felt as though I were right in the room with them, hearing the stories first hand. It would be very wrong to assume that Ms. Guy is only an actress. She writes with such eloquence and candor that one must also call her 'author.'