Professor Sabir's Posse

*What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career?

- Leila Steinberg had a profound effect on the development of the young Tupac Shakur. Leila played the role of teacher, or perhaps something even more; something deeper. Under her wing, Tupac Shakur would become exposed to numerous things and, as is the role of any teacher, helped the reawakening of the dormant knowledge that had already existed inside him. Specifically in the case of Tupac Shakur, Liela Steinberg may have even meant something much more. Tupac Shakur may have seen in her a source of stand-in maternal affection. Through her he could mend the large, yawning void caused by the absence of his own mother, Afeni. The sort of injury - Tupac may have similarly reasoned - that only a woman could heal.

*How is black motherhood second to God?

- Motherhood can be linked to the feelings and notions inherent to the concept of God in general. Across many faiths and traditions deities assume various forms. they are typically manifested as human beings or even animals. Some faiths even believe them as being formless and without physical representation whatsoever. Traditionally though, God (as interpreted through Abrahamic religion such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) is typically viewed as being male in form. It may be closer and more intuitive though, to view God as being female in form. God as a creative force has greater association to a woman, as it is a mother who gives birth, and as such, it is a woman who is ultimately the bearer of life. God and mother need not be mutually exclusive concepts. The two roles can co-exist together complimenting each others existence as creators and developers of life.

I'll do the other 3 probably later its late check back
 

Jakaila Scott
October 22, 2008
Eng 201 8-8:50am



Cyber Homework





4. Although she suffered from a drug addiction, Tupac’s mother Afeni Shakur was, in many different was a good role model to her son. She taught him the importance of the fundamentals of reading, writing and the great accomplishments that come from them, which he always used not only in his poems and lyrics of his songs, but through out his day to day life as well.

5. At first, Tupac resented his mother’s life as a revolutionary due to the fact of her never really being able to spend any time with him because of her having to attend meetings and making speeches at the local high schools. Later, he began to realize that this in fact was a good thing, that reaching out and speaking with the people was something to embrace.

8. Tupac resented the fact that his mother had been betrayed by the Black Panther Party because he felt that his mother did any and every thing possible that she could for the Black Panther Party and as soon as she began to struggle, that they were no where to be found, meaning that they did not help her try to get back on her feet, nor did they even check on her to make sure she was doing at least okay. They just left her hanging.

9. Regardless of her troubles, Afeni Shakur made sure that no matter what she did what she had to do for her and her children to survive. Whether it was from thanksgiving dinner, to presents at Christmas time she knew she had to do what needed to be done.

10. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up." Read the lyrics too. Discuss how "Keep Ya Head Up" is a letter of hope to Brenda. As a young pregnant twelve year old girl Brenda, in the song Brenda’s Got a Baby is struggling with whether or not she should keep her unborn child. She never knew her mother and her father was addicted to crack so she has no help from her family and her baby’s father is no where to be found. She threw he baby in a dumpster believing that she could just leave it at that, she couldn’t keep a job so she started selling crack, later becoming a prostitute only because sex was the only thing she knew. The song Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur, was a letter of hope to Brenda because, it’s letting her know that even though your going through a lot to never give up to always live to fight another day.
 

Kiara Perine
English 201
8-8:50 am


4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)
Yes, I believe Tupac’s mother was a good role model for her son. Everything she did in life rather it was good or bad taught her son a valuable lesson in life. Her actions helped create her son to be one of the most respected artist, poet and person in the world.

5. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?
Tupac’s mother life a revolutionary did have to much affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen because through it all he learned to speak up for what he believed in and what was right and what was wrong. But by her being a black panther it did make life a little hard because he was always moving here and there.

7. How is black motherhood second to God?
To me black motherhood is second to God because growing up as a black male/female in a single parent household to where all you have is your mother and nobody else to depend on, but God she becomes all you trust, all you have, and all you know besides God. A black mother has just as much strength and power as God, and for her kids, will do anything to provide for them. A black mother nearly gives her life to raise her kid’s right and your mother also becomes your best friend and your homie.


9. How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
Afeni Shakur lived up to her title as a Black Queen by becoming all she had for her kids and making something out of nothing when times got hard for her as a single parent and a black woman.

10. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up." Read the lyrics too. Discuss how "Keep Ya Head Up" is a letter of hope to Brenda.
“Keep Ya Head Up” is a letter of hope to Brenda because in the song “Brenda’s Got a Baby”, Brenda is a twelve year old girl pregnant by her cousin. She has no family; her dad is a junky and never really knew her mother. With no proper way to support herself and her baby, she tries to get rid of her baby by throwing him in the trash. So in “Keep Ya Head Up” it’s basically telling her that no matter what she goes through in life and no matter how many bumps she hits to always keep her head up because sooner or later things are going to get easier and her days or going to get brighter.
 

Lisa Ryan
English 201A
MW 1:00-2:50
Professor: Wanda Sabir

1.Various themes run through Dyson's book, Holler If You Hear Me. Some resonate for certain readers more than others. Let's look at education. In a freewrite think about the significance of education in Tupac's life. Contrast or compare his views on education to your own.

Tupac loved learning and had an appetite for an abundance of knowledge pertaining to many subjects. He tried to adapt with what school had to offered, but felt that he needed more. Tupac opinion of his school curriculum was that it was biased against black people and did not include issues that were relevant to him nor did it offer him any tools that would help him survive in the ghetto. He didn’t only want to learn about Abraham Lincoln or just about Martin Luther King he wanted to know about Huey P. Newton, Malcolm X and a host of other Blacks who like the white folks he learned about contributed to society as well. Even when Tupac dropped out of school he didn’t stop learning he was determined to beat the odds which were stacked against him. He taught and challenged himself constantly through reading every book on many different and unlikely subjects. In addition to the values around education that his mother inspired in him as a very young child and his unmatched drive for success, reading was where he received his schooling.

When I was Tupac’s age my views around education were contrast to his I focused on what the curriculum taught me, I didn’t look outside of what I was being taught. If they didn’t teach me about my history I didn’t learn it and it was not a focus in my home as a child. Today my views are similar to Tupac even though I am in college I still look beyond what I’m being taught.

Now, use evidence from chapters 3-5 to talk about American education or miseducation according to Tupac. Discuss how Tupac's belief that knowledge is power is developed in these chapters. Write this as an introductory paragraph on the theme "education." (Min. 10 sentences.)

In chapter 3 of the book “Holler if You Hear Me” Tupac’s views on education is explored by the people whose lives he touched. Afeni Shakur talks about how Tupac displayed his love for education at a very early age through writing plays, karate and acting. Others shared how they felt he learned by listening to music from other cultures and reading books that most black men his age would never consider reading.

Chapter four “Give Me a Paper and Pen” delves into his peers and other famous artist and writers’ opinions of his music. There were some who admittedly shared that initially they did not care for his music. Big Tray Dee stated, “It would be maybe thirty percent of Tupac’s music that I wouldn’t really feel all the time. I would be like that’s all right.” However, Big Tray Dee also felt that after listening to Tupac’s message he began to understand the knowledge behind his lyrics. This is another example of the effects that Tupac’s educational energy and lyricism.

Finally, in chapter five, “For all The Nigga’s Out There” Tupac’s use of the word “Nigga’s” is looked at. This word has many different meaning to many people as this chapter proves through the many interviews that were conducted. Much of Tupac’s lyrics were meant to educate including the word “Nigga”. Tupac sum it up with his definition of Nigga, “Never ignorant, getting goals accomplished.” Of course, not all Black people agree with Tupac’s use of the word, but Tupac didn’t make decisions to be popular or to satisfy others. Tupac was true to what he believed no matter what the topic.

3. What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)

Leila Steinberg, who Tupac met when he lived in Marin City, was very influential in his life because she believed and saw great things in him. She took him under her wings and nourished his desired for education,. She introduced him to books and people who inspired him in his educational growth. She provided him with shelter when his mother was unavailable to him due to her addiction and Leila protected him as a mother would.

4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)

Afeni Shakur was definitely a good role model in Tupac's life. Although she did not remain a great role model throughout his life she was when it mattered the most. During his young development and through early adolescent Afeni instilled values and motivation in him when he needed it the most. She taught him the true value of an education and instilled an unsurpassed determination and love for himself as an African American male. At a time when he needed it the most she was his mother and father. She was also able to re-enter his life her and picked up where she left off as a strong inspirational black woman a woman that he was proud of.

7. How is black motherhood second to God?

In many black families God is the only one that's perfect, you can depend on and that you fear. God is the one you trust, depend on and God is the one who protects you and never forsakes you. There is no one in the black family next to God who will put you first and sacrifice their life to protect you from harm other than the black mother. This is why I feel that black motherhood is second to God. And the fact that in the black family you are taught to put God first, otherwise it would be the black mother who reigns above all.

10. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up." Read the lyrics too. Discuss how "Keep Ya Head Up" is a letter of hope to Brenda.

Compose at least 10 sentences incorporating lyrics from the song where these lines from the lyrics help explain or illustrate what the writer is stating.

In the song, “Brenda’s Got a Baby” Tupac shares what he see’s in his world. He tells the story of a young naïve black girl who is not the most educated and is susceptible to being misused, as Tupac pointed out in the following lyrics “I hear Brenda’s got a baby. Well, Brenda’s barely got a brain.” She yearns to be loved and finds love in all the wrong places. Brenda comes from a loveless family, a mother and father who she doesn’t know, “Now Brenda never really knew her moms and her dad was a junky.” Tupac wants Brenda to know that she still have options when he states, “Cause I bet Brenda doesn’t even know, just because your in tha ghetto doesn’t mean you can’t grow.” But Brenda doesn’t see anything different for herself because no ones set examples for her. She seeks love and acceptance from the wrong man and in the end she becomes pregnant and is left on her own. No one really pays attention to Brenda it’s like she’s invisible, she keeps her secret, “But no one seems ta notice any change in her figure.” In the end Brenda had to grow up pretty fast because her mama can’t take care of her anymore and now she’s on her own. “Now Brenda’s gotta make her own way. Can’t go to her family, they won’t let her stay.” With no skills Brenda is forced to repeat what she has seen for most of her life. Tupac sums it up well when he says, “So now what’s next, there aint nothing left to sell, so she sees sex as a way of leaving hell. It’s paying the rent, so she really can’t complain. Prostitute, fair slang, and Brenda’s her name, she’s got a baby.”

I believe the song “Keep Your Head Up” by Tupac was a letter written to encourage Brenda. This song was written for all the Brenda’s in his community and for all of the Brenda’s to come. He encourages Brenda to not give up on seeking a better life, a better tomorrow and no matter what the obstacles, to keep your head up. He states, “Please don’t cry dry your eyes, never let up.” He wants Brenda to believe that she doesn’t have to take the abuse, don’t let nobody take her will and she is worth more than she knows when he says, “Forgive but don’t forget keep your head up and when he tells you you ain’t nothing don’t believe him.” Finally, Tupac’s message to Brenda is not to give up because society expects her to give up, this is the destiny that is put forth for her. This is what I take away from the lyrics, “We ain’t meant to survive, cause it’s a set up. And even though you’re fed up huh, ya got to keep your head up.
 

Andrew Nguyen
English 201A
8-8:50AM

1) What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)

For Tupac Shakur, Leila Steinberg became Tupac's teacher. She invited him to come to her poetry circles with other people. From there on, Tupac became dominate in the dicussions. The education that Tupac longed for finally arrived to him. With Leila, Tupac's able to receive all these materials for him to continue on increasing his knowledge. Not only did she became a teacher, she also became Tupac's "liternary soulmate" for him. Together they read different types of literature. He would then write his own poems as well, expressing his emotions on paper. With her around, Tupac has the freedom to expand his creativity and imagination. With that in mind, his mind continues to grow with the thanks of Leila Steinberg.

2) Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)

Afeni is a very strong woman. She has major racial pride within herself and a strong sense of reality of life. With Tupac still inside of her, Afeni enlightened him with racial pride with lullabies and other music, like Roberta Flack. When Tupac came to life and grew up, Afeni taught him to question authority when something goes amiss. Though she struggled with the authorities and drugs, Tupac became the person he was due to the teachings and struggles with his mother.

3) How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?

As Tupac grew up, Afeni was still committed to carry on with rallies and marches with the Black Panther Party. At the same time, Afeni had a drug addiction. From an early age, Tupac argued with his mother. At first, Tupac did not like Afeni going through all these rallies and marches that she participated. But as soon as he went himself, he found a deeper connection with his mother and the struggles that his community goes through.

4) How is black motherhood second to God?

Black mothers undergo obstacles and sacrifice many things for their families. They go through many hardships of life to raise their families. With mothers, you can depend on and trust on them. With Tupac, he only had his mother and sister. Together, they struggled on through life. Afeni herself taught Tupac about life. Compared to God, mothers come close to sacrifices and hardships.

5) Why did Tupac resent the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party?

Afeni dedicated majority of her life to the Black Panther Party. Throughout her life, she had sacrificed so much for them, and after all her commitment, they left her behind. What Afeni could have done to support her family, such as going to college, get a degree, and raising a decent family, she gave all of that away for the Black Panther Party and at the end, they have left her to fend for herself.

6) How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?

Even with all her struggles, Afeni continues to come home after working late, and continue being a mother. She would come home to her family after long hours of work and cook them hot food. When Tupac was in jail, she would visit him and kept his hopes up. Regardless of all the arguments that Tupac and her had, he still appreciates and loves her. Most important of them all, she brought Tupac life.

7) "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up"

In Tupac's "Brenda's Got a Baby", addresses to the women of his community, especially with a twelve year old girl named Brenda. With Brenda, she was pregnant by her cousin when she was twelve. She did not know her mother so, assuming, she did not have any maternal figure to look up to. Her father was a drug addict as well. Speaking of father, the father of the baby was no where to be found. As a result, she ended up throwing the baby away in the dumpster. With "Keep Ya Head Up", Tupac addresses a feeling of hope for Brenda. With Brenda's situation, she will always continue to live and wait until her day of peace will arrive.
 

Nina Wooten
8-8:50
Eng. 201B

1) Free write: Think about the significance of education in Tupac’s life. Compare and contrast his views with your own.
Education in Tupacs’s life was very important. He was raised to seek knowledge and he became very eager to find anything that would keep his mind hungry. His education is what helped him express himself through music and poetry. Tupac spoke on topics that most would be afraid to mention. That is how the world came to know the well educated Tupac Shakur. I believe our education values differ because of our lifestyles and how we were raised. Tupac lived in poverty; he didn’t have much, whereas I grew up in a well balanced home. I didn’t have to worry about how the next meal would be provided or if my mother would stay clean. He struggled to live a better life, facing many obstacles on a daily bases. Education was the only escaped Tupac had.

2) Was Tupac’s mother Afeni a good role model?
I believe Afeni was a god role model. Despite her drug addiction and being on welfare, she still provided for he children. She surrounded them with people she felt would be influential. She taught her children that education is the most important thing in life. Even though Afeni was addicted to drugs she respected her son for the man he was becoming. She didn’t scold him for his wrong doings; instead she learned why he acted out in these many ways. She also learned hat the relationship between her and her son wasn’t always the best, and most had to do with the choices she made during her lifetime.

3) How is black motherhood second to God?
Black motherhood is second to God because that is one of the earthy symbols that we can value. Most religious people believe that no other God/idol should be worshiped. Some may feel God is the ultimate provider, but mothers are the one who physically provide, comfort, and cherish us. Mothers seem to be the backbones of our lives. We run to our mothers when we feel a great deed of any emotion. I supposed this bond comes from being in our mothers’ womb for nine months causing us to have a greater connection with our mothers, than any other parent.

4) How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
Afeni lived up to her title “Black Queen,” because no matter what her struggle was, she always made a way to provide for her family. In Tupac’s song “Dear Mama” he mentions that his mother made miracles every thanksgiving. I think the most important factor I despite her involvement with the Black Panther Party, her drug addiction, and being on welfare, she still lived up to her expectations as a mother. She may not have been able to provide all the materials tings her child wanted, but she provided one of the most important attributes that a mother can provide; love.

5) Listen to “Brenda’s Got a Baby” and “Keep Ya Head Up.” Discuss how “Keep Ya Head Up” is a letter to Brenda.
“Keep Ya Head Up” is a song to the mothers/women that have been mistreated, left to raise their children by themselves, and have no hope for the future. This song is a letter to Brenda because if she would have hung in there a little longer maybe she would have gotten the confidence to stay strong. This song states the exact struggles Brenda was enduring, but sadly, as result Brenda was killed.
 

I like the historic references Thomas re: Mother/God. My question comes from Dyson. What is is referencing when he says this?

I also like your thoughts on the relationship between Leila and Tupac. I certainly agree she was a maternal figure who was a lot more stable than that of his mother at a time when youth need such stability, adolescence.
 

Great responses by all of you especially Jakaila Scott, Kiara Perine, Lisa Ryan, Andrew and Nina.

Some of the work needs editing and none of you referenced Dyson in each response.

These questions were taken directly from the book "Holler." The answers are in the book.

Please revise and let your response reflect the text. It's okay to add to the question, to expand it, but I want to know that you know what's in the book, and I don't mean recitation, rather I want to know that you understand the text and have synthesized the meaning and here exhibit your interpretation of the material.

Also, in some responses there are too many quotes. Only use one quote per answer--use your own words. If your response is more than two paragraphs, you can use maybe two quotes or a paraphrase and a quote. It's better to use too few, than too many.

Here is an example:
In question about the song "Brenda Has a Baby," which asks "how is the song a letter of hope," most of you almost recite the song verbatim--this is plagiarism. You can summarize the key elements of the song without reciting the song.

Here is an example of an answer to the question:

Tupac Shakur's song "Brenda's Got a Baby," is about a child who is neglected emotionally and abused physically by all the adults in her life who say they love her. It's a tragic story which is all too familiar in poor communities where one's body and not one's mind seems the most in demand.

Tupac's song tells this tragic story, more to chronicle this for the men who take advantage of these children and the mother's who neglect them.

He tells the young women who might be future Brendas to think about options and that they do have choices--perhaps limited, but they do exist. If nothing else there is foster care. Anything is better than the slow death Brenda experiences.
 

Oh, since I ask for support from the text, now that I have answered the question, I can look at the song and see where Tupac agrees with me. I have added support. Again, this is an example, but it helps to answer the question first, then add evidence. It keeps the writing honest and authentic.

Tupac Shakur's song "Brenda's Got a Baby," is about a child who is neglected emotionally and abused physically by all the adults in her life who say they love her. It's a tragic story which is all too familiar in poor communities where one's body and not one's mind seems the most in demand (Lines 2, 7, 14, 23-25, 33-36).

Tupac's song tells this tragic story, more to chronicle this for the men who take advantage of these children and the mother's who neglect them (Lines 38-43).

He tells the young women who might be future Brendas to think about options and that they do have choices--perhaps limited, but they do exist. If nothing else there is foster care. Anything is better than the slow death Brenda experiences (9-12).

He writes: "Just cause your in tha ghetto doesn't mean you can't grow/ But oh, that's a thought, my own revelation/ Do whatever you need to do to resist tha temptation" (Brenda lines 10-12)

I think I'd set this up differently if I decided to use it. It's enough to just put the lines where the eveidence agrees with you. You don't have to use citations. the rule is, use quotes when the author says it better than you can or to break up a dry passage to add variety to the prose.
 

Tupac brought up a really good point , He said that schools teach you the wrong things, children should be learning about activities that go on in their neighborhood and how they need to protect themselves, yes what they teach you in school is important, but when someone has a gun to your head math science etc will not help you. I graduated in 2005 I really didn’t learn anything academically I didn’t remember anything six months after I graduated. I still don’t know what they attempted to teach me in high school. American education is messed up, kids don’t learn anything. As Palo Frerrie states in one of his books, kids learn by the “Banking Concept of Education and Narrative Education. A teacher will ask what is two plus two, the student regurgitate the answer but will never understand what and why two plus two equals four. That is how most students are being taught today. I agree one hundred percent with Tupac that teachers don’t teach what kids need to survive.

Leila Steinberg played a huge role in Tupac short life; she helped him open his mind to many different types of literature. She was like his mother in a way as far educating him and introducing him to other brilliant people. I believe he even moved in with her. Leila took him to all of her conferences he showed her something’s about teaching and speaking, together they began to grow into this wonderful pair that gave back to their community in many different ways.

I believe Afeni was a good role model for her son; it also depends on what is your definition on a role model. If she didn't make the choices that she made would he still have been the incredible person that he was?

Afeni choice of being a revolutionary affected him in a positive as well negative. It gave him the liberation to express himself but also he was a constant target for FBI and CIA agents.

She risked her life, family friends etc for the Black Panther Party, and in return they failed her by being destroyed by oppressors (FBI, CIA, and Police).

Even though Afeni went and did all theses wonderful things for the great good of all the people, being on drugs, a revolutionary neglecting her family. She always took care of her responsibilities that were important to her; two things I applaud her on is being a Black Panther as well and not lying to her kids.

Tupac sings about all this that goes on, but in the midst of it all he tells Brenda as well as other women don't give up theirs always a test before the blessing. Don't give up be the queen that you were born to be.

I” wonder why we take from our women why do we rape our women, do we hate our women? I think it’s think it’s time we kill for our women time to heal our women, be real to our women and if we don’t then we’ll have a race of babies that will hate the ladies and since a man can’t make one he has no right to tell a women when and where to create one so would the real men get up I know your fed up ladies but keep your head up” Tupac Keep Your Head Up”.

Black motherhood is second to God because of all the things they put up with, from raising kids on their own, cooking cleaning, they are the glue that hold everything together, and yet they do all this but very rarely recognized for it. Women play a huge part in life that’s why they will always be second to God for the many hats they wear!
 

---How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?


-Although Afeni abused crack she was still loyal to her children. She never lied to them or even wanted to lie to her children,loyality matters the most to children. Being strong and displaying a tremendous amount of
strength showed Afeni's true
character. Tupac viewd Afeni as a "black queen" because she never gave up on her children even when she didn't have a lot for her self. Still Afeni gave a lot to her children, unconditional love and protection.



---What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career?


The first time Steinberg meet Tupac she seen potential. Noticing how beautiful his eyes were she knew he was something special. Steinberg was like a second mother to Tupac because she was there for him and disregarded what others refused to see in him, she was exposed to greatness in Tupac.


---How is black motherhood second to God?

Since God is apart of a mother to show guidance (only if the mother accepts God as her personal savior)the mother will do all that she can to make sure her children are safe and protected under her guidance.


---How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?


Tupac learned from his mother. Although both mother and son did not see eye to eye, Tupac learned how to be a man and speak up for what he knew was right to say. As Tupac grew older he realized that his mother's only attentions were to stabilize the community as well as teaching Tupac how to stand up for what you know is right.


---"Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up"


In the song "Brenda's got a baby" Tupac talks about the community of young black women who has lost hope of having a better tomorrow. Tupac reflects on the issue of young women having babies at a young age and not knowing who to turn to during the time of pregnancy.

In the song "keep ya head up" Tupac visualizes the pain he endured during his time of struggle. The song talks about how the government uses money for wars, but can't feed underclass people. This song is the most inspirational to me because during the times when I feel low I put this song on repeat to focus on how things can turn out to be tomorrow if I would get through today.

-Sameela Smith eng 201A M,W 1-3
 

Dung Nguyen
english 201A
8.00-8.50


3. What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)

Leila Steinberg was Tupac's teacher and later on became his manager. She discovered his inrested in poetry when she first met him at school. From then she invited him to all of her study group with other people. she introduced him to books and many difference type of
literature. With the help from Leila, tupac's knowledge continue to grow. Leila became somewhat a mother to him where she would feed him all the knowledge that she knew.

4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son?

Yes, i belive Afeni Shakur was a good role model for her son. Tupac portrayed his mother as a valiant role model who countered the corrupted narratives of offical society and history. "the way my mother brought me up is no lies" because he knew she would refuse to tell him lies.


5. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?

Tupac's mother life as a revolutionary did have
great affect on him. He learned from his mother that you have to speak up for what you think is right and what is wrong. and he was able to make his own decision and understand that he did not need to follow what other people say all the time.


7. How is black motherhood second to God?

the mother is central in black life, she is also made the social distintegration of black culture. Most of their have to raise thier children by themselves. In black families, beside god, mother is the one to trust. Black mothers responsible for the absent when the fathers aren't around.


8. Why did Tupac resent the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party?

Afeni Shakur had sacrificed her life for the Baclk Panther Party. She spent more time with the Party than for her family especialy her son, Tupac Shakur. she gave up her education to follow them every steeps. but in the end they betrayed her and left her with nothing.
 

Vonreesha Jackson
English 201A/B
10-22-2008

3) The influences Leila Steinberg had on Tupac’s career in the beginning are getting him notoriety which was done by him touring schools with her. She would speak and he would rap. Leila influenced him even more to pursue his dreams, even though that’s what he set out to do every day. Leila became his manager and then latter gave management to Digital Undergrounds manager. The biggest influence Leila was thought to have on him been being his literary soul mate.

4) Yes Afeni was a good role model for Tupac I so many was. She introduced him to the revolutionary movement at an early age. When he was first born he was at a Black Panther party meeting. She chose Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt a Black Panther member to be his godfather. Afeni taught him the tools to become a man and she taught him to fight for what he believes in. He also was taught to speak his mind and to educate himself.

7) Black mother hood is second to God because mothers are the head of the household putting her at the authoritive level. Black mothers have children and have to everything themselves, just the same as god did when he created the world. In today’s society it is hard to raise a male child because of the peer pressure they receive that makes them feel they have to show there manhood. Woman telling a male child what to do is going to make her put her foot down and appear as powerful as God.

8) Tupac resented the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther party because he felt that for what the Black Panther party stood for they should have been there for her. For all that she and they fought for it should have never come down to them leaving her hanging in her time of need. Afeni sacrificed her children and her career for the Black Panther party and she got no help in return they turned there backs on her. Many times Tupac wanted to argue with his godfather Geronimo Pratt but his mother told him not to.

9) Afeni lived up to her title Black Queen because of all the struggles and sacrifices she made. She over came her addiction to crack cocaine and was able top step back and let her children embrace her when they were ready. She wanted them to forget about everything that she had ever put them through. She wanted them to except the new her right away. Afeni is a Black Queen if she could rise above all that have happen in the past and the present and still keep he head up.
 

Francisco Marcial
English 201A
MW 1-2:50pm

"Cyber Homework"

1. Tupac shakur didn't really liked school but he did loved learning. Tupac loved learning and he got most of the things that he knew from books because he loved reading books. He didn't really like school and he said that school would be better if "There should be a class on drugs... sex education, a real sex education class, not just pictures and diagrams and illogical terms...a class on scams... religious cults... there should be a class in racism in america"(77 Dyson).

3. Leila Steinberg had a big impact in tupac because she was there when he needed help. She also helped him when he needed a place where to stay. Leila wasn't just tupac's teacher, she was more than that, she was one of the people that motivated him in his career as a rapper. Leila was the first one that saw a shine in tupac when she first saw him she knew that he was going to be big.

4. Afeni shakur was a really good role model to his son Tupac Shakur because she prepared tupac for the real world. She prepared him for the real world by teaching him a lot of things. She taught him that he should always fight for his rights and for his people as she did as a black panther. She taught him how to be realand to not be afraid of anything. Her drug addiction didn't really help tupac a lot but it might helped him to develop the love for women that he had.

5. Afeni's life as a revolutionary had a really big impact on tupac's life because she didn't really had time for him because she was busy in meetings, conference, etc. Tupac didn't really had his mother when he needed her and that affected him a lot when he was young.

7. Motherhood is second to god because most black chilcdren are raised just by their mothers. They don't have no one but just their mothers and god to trust and depend on. When they need help or someone that can understand them they look for god because god is always there for them as same as their mothers.

8. Tupac felt that the black panther party betrayed his mother because when she was struggling and need help. No one from the black pantyhers was there to help her. She was by her own and she had no one there to help her. When Afeni was in the black panther party she was always helping them on everythin she could help and she was always doing her best for the party.

9. Afeni shakur was called the "Black Queen" because when she was going through a lot of struggles she was always trying to do everything for her children. She always made sure that there was food on the table for her children.

10. The song "Keep Ya Head Up" was a hope song for brenda from the song "Brenda's got a baby" because the song was telling her to always keep her head up. No matter what struggles she had, she would come out of them by keeping her head up and by always thinking positive and to never give up.
 

Sara Yusufi
English 201A
MW 1-2:50 pm
Professor Sabir
11-10-08
Cyber-Homework 10/22
1. How is black motherhood second to God?
Black motherhood was second to God because at those times black mothers were usually single parents. So the child only had the one parent to look up to. Since they only had that one they usually got into things that they didn’t expect to such as living the thug life. When living the thug life it leads to a child doing things he does not even know he is doing such as Tupac. Afeni Shakur had many different situations of her own yet she tried to hide it from Tupac so she made it seem like she had time for him too. Tupac saw his mom as God because she was always available for him.
2. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son?
At some points Afeni did not seem like she was a good role model. It was mostly because of her personal problems with her boyfriends and her past. She used her past as a tool to help her son have a better life. At some points that was not very successful because it impacted Tupac’s education. He did not receive a full education like most other kids did at that time. They were involved with the abusive relationships his mom was in and then Afeni and Tupac were always moving from place to place. This did not allow Tupac to learn what he needed to. At some points Afeni is not considered a good role model.
3. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?
Afeni’s life affected Tupac’s development because it introduced him to the lifestyle of a “thug.” That involved gangs and drugs which Tupac seemed to regret later on in his life. He then had to be part of the poverty that every African American dealt with throughout that time. Tupac became to face life in different ways which depressed him and made him feel like he was alone and he was able to express his feelings through his songs. When listening to his songs or reading the lyrics of his songs a person is able to learn how Tupac really felt about his young man hood and being an American citizen.
4. Why did Tupac resent the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party?
Tupac disliked the face that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party because it wasn’t something to be proud of either. Since Tupac was living the “thug” life he felt his mom should have been the same. Living through poverty included living like this and not being able to be the same. Afeni Shakur was part of a party that obviously did her no good and she was trying to prevent from her son to do the same.
5. How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
Disregarding all of her mistakes she lives to the title of Black Queen. She is keeping it up for her own reputation and for the stake of her son. Since sons see their moms as a second God she felt as if she needs to keep it for him. She kept that title because she had been through a lot while growing up and she wanted to have one thing that she could always have.
 

ENG 201A 1-3 MW

4) I do believe Tupacs mother was in a way a good role model for him, apart from the drugs. In the book “Holler if you hear me” from Dyson “ When he was a few days old, Tupac was taken to his first political speech,” and that was the start of his political life. His mother chose to raise him around that kind of lifestyle because she herself was a black panther, one of the most historical revolutionary group of people who actually fought for the rights they disserved.

7) Tupacs mother was second to god because all of his love went to god above anyone else. To refer back to one of Tupacs poems entitled GOD in the rose that grew from concrete, God is his friend, the one he could tern to in need of assistance.

8) Tupac resented the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party because they had not given her the support she really needed. As that was what the BPP was all about, they had always refered to each other as family and when Afeni tried to communicate with her new found “family” where were they to be found?

9) Tupacs mom, Afeni, lived up to the name “Black Queen” on the fact that she had struggled and gave up a lot of things to have the family that she had. Even though she had an addiction to crack she found her way back to reality and used her strength to give it up. Also she used the knowledge in which she had to educate her children as much as possible so that they would learn the greatness of asking questions to what is going on and not just letting life go by but embraseing in, and knowing, the difference between the right and wrong way people should be treated.
 

Peter Dominguez
November 11, 2008
MW 1-3
Cyber Homework



3. What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)
Leila Steinberg was a teacher that Tupac meet in Marin City. Tupac got along really well with Leila, they shared ideas together and talked about different books they have read. Leila looked after Tupac for a while and let him stay with her because she knew that he was going thru issues at home with his mother. Tupac also went to Leila’s classes and lectures where he learned from her and at times would debate her ideas.


4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)
I believe that some of the influence she had on Tupac were good. She thought him the importance of a good education and reading. Afeni Shakur was involved with the Black party movement and Tupac was proud of that. Tupac respected his mother because he knew that she was a strong woman. Afeni went thru many obstacles while being a panther but she stayed strong.


5. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?
Tupac’s mother’s life style as a revolutionist affected Tupac greatly they moved around a lot and at times she was in trouble with the police. Over all he respected his mother, she thought him a lot. She showed him how to stand up for what he believed was right. At first Tupac didn’t like the fact that his mother would devote a lot of her time at protest and rallies, until he went and understood what his mother was fighting for and then he embraced her morals.


8. Why did Tupac resent the fact that the Black Panther Party betrayed his mother?
Tupac resented the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party because he knew about all the struggles that she went thru for that movement. Afeni Shakur worked hard for the movement and when she was incarcerated the Black Panthers just left her to fight her own case with no help in court to fight her case.


9. How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
Tupac refers to his mother as a Black Queen in one of his songs. He expresses his gratitude towards her because she was always there for him. Even though she was going thru her own issues she thought him right from wrong and always spoke the truth to him. Even though Tupac and his mother may have not got along all the time he knew that she loved him and she was there for him.
 

1.Various themes run through Dyson's book, Holler If You Hear Me. Some resonate for certain readers more than others. Let's look at education.

Tupac really thought that knowledge as very important in his life. He regretted skipping school as a teen, because back then he did not understand how important it was to go to school and to get an education. He sees knowledge as a very important tool in society.
I agree with Tupac, in my family we believe that education is everything,and without, i could not survive in this society.

Now, use evidence from chapters 3-5 to talk about American education or miseducation according to Tupac.
In the chapter "No Malcolm X in my history Text" it talks about how Tupac was pressured by his peers into skipping classes. This occurred in his teenage years, he did not believe back then that education was a big deal. It wasn't until later he realized that to survive in society, you needed an education. This payed off, tupac was later famous for his educational lyrical songs.

3. What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)
Leila Steinberg was Tupac's teacher, she taught and showed him why education was so important, and helped him expound his knowledge. She took him under her care and helped relieve his desires to learn.

4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)
I believe that Afeni was a good mother for Tupac, even though she had been through tough times and done some bad things, she was a good mother. Tupac learned to accept his mother for what she did and from these experiences i think it brought him to write songs. So without his mothers influence i do not think his songs would have been so inspirational.
5. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?

7. How is black motherhood second to God?
In this culture, African American moters are very important. Since in poverty, the men usually live by this rule and that is "love your mama not your baby's mama" there was little to no paternal figure in a child's life. So the mother had to work extra hard to be both the mother and the father figure in their child's life. This is why you see some poverty stricken mothers dressed up very manly but even though they look manly, they have a motherly personality, and this is one way a African American mother portrays themselves as both a mother and a father. And this is why a African American mother is so important, because they are the key to survival for one's life.

8. Why did Tupac resent the fact that his mother was betrayed by the Black Panther Party?
Afeni Shaku had given her everything to the Black Panther Party, and in return she did not receive much. When she needed help, there were not there to help her in her times of need. Afeni also gave up her education and her dreams of having a successful job because she thought that fighting for her rights were more important. But in the end the Black Panther Party betrayed her.

9. How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
Afeni did everything she posibly could to raise her kids, she taken many obscure jobs, and sacrificed allof her time to get food and a shelter for her children,a nd this is how i thinkshe earned the nickname "Black Queen".

10. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up." Read the lyrics too. Discuss how "Keep Ya Head Up" is a letter of hope to Brenda.
In the song " Brenda's got a baby' talks about a twelve year old girl who happens to fall in love with the person who had raped her. She ends up getting pregnant and has her child on her bathroom floor and doesn't know if she should keep it or not. She ends up keeping it and makes money for her and her child by becoming a prostitute. The song "Keep your head up" is kind of like a letter to Brenda to keep striving even though she is alone, still a child, and has a child. She can get through this with some motivation. And her motivation would be her child.
 

Dion Cade
Eng 201b

3. What influences did Leila Steinberg have on the beginning of Tupac's career? (Chapter 3)
Leila allowed Tupac to really show his creative side which was in his poetry. He was really able to bring out his true feelings and apply them in writing. We she first met him she found something special in him as soon as he was able to recite quotes from the book that she was reading when he approached her. She invited him into her class and really saw how outstanding he was.

4. Was Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, a good role model for her son? (Chapter 2)
Afeni actuallly was not a good role model for her son because she had a big situation on her hands. First of all she was pregnant with him while she was in jail. And they were moving around a little too much trying to look for places to stay. And since his mom was a panther, she got fired from her jobs. And she also did a lot of drugs and did not have much money for them which led to Tupac only having about two outfits to wear. But she did gave him the same brave spirit of hers and how she stands up for what is right.

5. How did Tupac's mother's life as a revolutionary affect his development as a young man and as an American citizen?
Her being a revolutionary was the result of her going to jail and getting beat up by some of her partners. And she also had a baby by a man in jail. They had to move around a bit and Tupac could not finish school because they moved. So it affected him very much. He may have hated his mother for having to deal with her struggles. But he knew that he had to stay by her side.

7. How is black motherhood second to God?
Because black children usually come from single-parent families. And it is very hard for a mom to raise a child on there own. Especially if they have low income and try to figure out where the next meal is going to come from. And without a father figure it may be hard to teach a son about certain things and it may be certain that they want there child to be a real man one day and not just a momma's boy.


9. How did Afeni Shakur, regardless of her foibles, live up to her title: Black Queen?
She lived up to her title of black queen because even though they were poor with a lack of income, his mohter always had food on the table for them (him and his sister). Especially for christmas and thanksgiving. And Tupac had no clue how she did it. He thought it was a miracle.But he loved his mother for it. His mom was his best friends even though at times they did disagree with each other.

10. Listen to "Brenda's Got a Baby" and "Keep Ya Head Up." Read the lyrics too. Discuss how "Keep Ya Head Up" is a letter of hope to Brenda.
Keep Ya Head Up is a letter of hope to Brenda because she needs to know that she isn't the only one who is or was in this kind of situation. And that there is hope for everyone. He says "But please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up Forgive but don't forget, girl keep your head up." He is talking to her and all of the other women who is facing the same difficulty and life. But no matter what they must find some kind of strength from within to make them keep on going and pushing really hard because one of the days that they are living, eventually somthing good is going to happen to them, whether they win the lottery or they actually find a good man who will take care of them and make them forget about the past and look more towards the future. It is good to be thankful for what is possessed at the moment, because somehow there could be an even worse situation that they could have been in instead of the one that they are in now.