“A giant in her own right” – Jada Pinkett-Smith Pens A Loving Note To Afeni Shakur

There’s no question that the loss of Afeni Shakur has touched us all. But most directly, the surviving Shakur family and friends. Just a few hours ago, Jada Pinkett-Smith, a lifelong friend of Afeni’s beloved son, Tupac, delivered a loving note dedicated to the late activist via Facebook, wherein she remembers the powerful presence of a friend and mother figure, who was full of wisdom and coolheaded even in a tight spot. We’re sure there will plenty more in the way of salutes in the days to come, but for now, you can read Jada Pinkett-Smith’s full remembrance of the late Afeni Shakur below.

Today I woke up to the news that Afeni had passed. My first thought was of Sekyiwa and the entire clan that loved Afeni. Then I remembered that I was in NY to attend a Mother’s Day event named after a song written about Afeni, Dear Mama. My heart tightened and then all kinds of memories flooded in. I quickly remembered how calm Afeni was especially during any crisis. She always had a way of making me believe all would be well. But my fondest memories of Afeni was spending time with her at Jamine Guy’s house as Jasmine was writing Afeni’s book. Tupac had passed, and now I was a business woman, wife, and a mother and we could talk real and I mean really real. I got to see where Pac got his passion, his ideals for equality and justice but most of all his depth of thinking. Afeni was a giant in her own right. Today she is reunited with her son and Sekyiwa has two majestic angels to look after her. One for each shoulder. Rest in peace Afeni, and give Pac a hug and a kiss from me.

Jada