Charles Barron: Speaking Truth to Power Articles and Essays on Revolution, Black Radical Politics and Leadership, His New Book
Another article by Councilman Charles Barron which references the House of the Lord Church is the memorial for Afeni Shakur. In so far as I also wrote about her memorial. My piece will follow his article.
Afeni Shakur Smiling From Heaven!
June 2016
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Afeni Shakur, Black Panther leader and the mother of our beloved Tupac Amaru Shakur and Sekyiwa Shakur, must be smiling from heaven after hundreds of people packed the historic House of the Lord Church to honor and pay tribute to her for her life’s work in our movement for liberation.
The House of the Lord Church, whose present Pastor is Rev. Dr. Karen S. Daughtry and whose national presiding minister is the world-renowned Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, has historically served as the “People’s Church” and a “safe haven” for freedom fighters, was the most fitting place to have the tribute, especially since Afeni and her family were members. A special shoutout of appreciation must be given to Jamal Joseph for doing a superb job in developing and coordinating a powerful and most memorable program. The tribute, titled “Reflections and Celebration of Afeni Shakur,” was hosted by Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry; Jamal Joseph, Panther 21 member; and Charles Barron, Panther member, and New York State Assembly Member. The tribute was co-sponsored by Voza Rivers and the New Heritage Theatre.
Powerful, passionate reflections were delivered by Sonia Sanchez, Kathleen Cleaver, Rev. Dr. Karen S. Daughtry, The Panther Women’s Collective, Emilia Otto of Impact, who powerfully and dramatically read Afeni’s closing argument to the jury during the Panther 21 trial, Sekou Odinga, Dhoruba Bin-Wahad, members of the Shakur family and of course the hosts Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Jamal Joseph, and Charles Barron. Special acknowledgment was given to Tyrone Talib Shakur, the son of the political prisoner of war, Mutulu Shakur. We will not stop until Mutulu is freed from prison. This is a partial listing of the presenters.
Cultural renditions were delivered by Songhai Djeli (African drummers), Keith “The Captain” Gamble (Harmonica), and Soloist Ebony Jo-Ann. Peggy Iman Washington (who was assigned by Pastor Herbert Daughtry as Afeni’s “big sister” at The House of the Lord Church), set it off with her rendition of the “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and Jamal Joseph’s Youthful Impact Repertoire Theater brought the house down with their expressions of love and respect for Afeni Shakur.