Remembering Tupac’s Feminism
Tupac Shakur, one of the most influential artists of all time, was born into a family who were active members of the Black Panther Party — so it’s no wonder he was inclined to lead a life of activism, becoming an outspoken voice for equality, speaking on the empowerment of women, and encouraging others to believe in themselves. Without ignoring that Shakur had faults and wasn’t the perfect role model, we can still make space to acknowledge his controversial feminism and ability to inspire masses. Today, on what would’ve been his 50th birthday, we remember him with a roundup of notable quotes and lyrics by the Death Row Records rapper.
1. In his song “Keep Ya Head Up” the rapper says “And since we all came from a woman / got our name from a woman / and our game from a woman / I wonder why we take from our women / do we hate our women? / why we rape our women / do we hate our women?”
2. “During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams.”
3. “I feel like role models today are not meant to be put on a pedestal, but more like angels with broken wings.”
4. “I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing: through every dark night there’s a bright day after that. So no matter how hard it gets, stick your chest out, keep ya head up and handle it.”
5. “It is true that nothing gold can last forever. We will all one day see death. When the purest hearts are torn a part. Lost souls are that’s left.”
Watch this video of the one and only Tupac.
