Comrades and relatives of political prisoner-of-war, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, conducted a benefit event at Brooklyn’s Starr Bar (214 Starr St.) in an effort to heighten awareness about, as well as raise funds for, his debilitating health issues. Simultaneously, they also pushed for his freedom.
This past October, Shakur was diagnosed with life-threatening bone marrow cancer, after having endured severe pain in his bones for the past year. Despite his complaints doctors didn’t begin examining him until last April. His supporters are hopeful the community will back this effort so that they can provide the adequate medical attention he needs.
Talib Shakur, Mutulu’s son, said the event “was meant to raise funds for his health issues. He’s battling stage 3 bone marrow cancer. He’s been as strong as can be. I speak with him weekly.”
Mutulu was recently transferred from the Victorville Federal Prison in California, to a Lexington Kentucky cancer medical center, for treatment.
During Saturday’s benefit Suzanne Rosenberg gave “a prognosis on Mutulu’s medical condition,” urging more support.
Then Talib spoke further about the health concerns and mentioned his planned documentary, “Truth and Reconciliation for Dr. Mutulu Shakur,” which is meant “to shine light on the man that he is, rather than how the media portrays him to be.”
Then fellow Black Panther, Sekou Odinga, expressed concerns about “his survival and life” before sharing more health prognosis and “why it’s so important for Mutulu to be home with his family.”
The 69-year-old revolutionary founded the Black Acupuncture Advisory Association of North America which helped relieve many from heroin addiction. He also served as the godfather of future hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur, during the 1970s.
Dr. Shakur and 10 comrades were hit with a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) indictment in 1982. They were charged with conspiracy and running a militant group named “The Family” which expropriated funds from several New York-area banks. Investigators alleged that they were responsible for at least eight heists from Dec. 1976 to Oct. 1981.
Included in this was his alleged involvement in the Oct. 20, 1981, $1.6 million Brinks armored truck robbery at the Nanuet Mall in Nanuet, N.Y., which resulted in the deaths of a security guard and two Nyack cops.
He was also charged with abetting Assata Shakur’s 1979 exodus from a New Jersey prison.
Mutulu was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list until getting arrested in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 1986, after 5 years remaining underground, and sentenced to 60 years. He was eligible for “mandatory parole” after serving 30, but was denied.
After 33 years of imprisonment, reportedly he has suffered a number of health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and vision problems due to glaucoma. He suffered a stroke in 2014 which caused him to need months of physical therapy.
For more information: http://mutulushakur.com