Camp keeps Tupac's legacy alive

While I was out reporting on the Silence the Violence event, I met Deelah a young female performing arts activists who told me about the first Tupac summer camp being held Oakland. I was so excited to hear about it especially because I love Tupac's music (California Love is one of my favorite songs) and I also was curious to learn about what kinds of activities went on at the camp.

The Leadership & Arts Camp was held at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in East Oakland. A first time camp was also held in Los Angeles. The camp was expanded to the West Coast in honor of Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's 10th anniversary.

About 20 youth participated in the camp and produced dancing, musical and spoken word projects that they showcased to the public. The goal of the camp was to provide training and support for youths 12 to 18 who aspire to enhance their creative talents. In addition, the importance of literacy, responsibility and conflict resolution were stressed to the young people who participated.

Tupac's Performing Arts Camp: From left, Jamani Williams, 12, Robert Tillman, 16, and Garrett Cole, 18, practice and rehearse skits that they wrote at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's Performing Arts Day Camp at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland, Calif., on Friday, June 27
Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur came to the camp in Oakland on the opening day, June 16, which is also Tupac's birthday. Although I was unable to meet her in person she did reach out and passed an email along to me sharing some of her thoughts about having the camp in Oakland.

Kamika Dunlap -- Oakland Tribune

See below:

Oakland- We did it! My son always had a dream to help young people around the Country with Arts Camps or 'Thug Mansions' as he called them. He envisioned a safe space where students could express themselves, learn & share ideas, and their families could receive encouragement and support. At each location, artists and instructors from the community would mentor students and help them to fully develop into their God given potential. Well, I am pleased to say that with God's direction we have achieved just that. This is our first Camp outside of Georgia and because of you it has been a success. Thank you to each student, instructor, volunteers, coordinators, and to the families for sharing your loved one with us! This is the first of more work by the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation in the Bay Area. Tupac loved Oakland and you loved him back! His legacy continues to soar and impact people all over the world because of you. KMEL and all others who helped us get the word out we thank you for your years of support, love, tears, and energy.

I want to challenge you all to keep yourselves alive. Save a young person.
Speak out when you know someone is being harmed in any kind way. Secrets kill and are harmful to others. Oakland we can and we will do better. It starts with each and everyone of us!

Peace, Love, & Respect!

Afeni Shakur-Davis

Tupac's Performing Arts Camp: (From left) Andre'ana Davis, 16, Jerome Clary, 17, and Amanda Ashe, 14, practice and rehearse their song called "Family Tree," which they learned at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation's Performing Arts Day Camp at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland,