In this interview, New Afrikan Communist Sanyika Shakur discusses his personal social development, his time in Pelican Bay-SHU, the 2011 California prisoners' hunger strikes, the effects of long-term isolation torture, New Afrikan nationalism, communism, and the struggle against gender oppression.
In a biographical note written while in PB-SHU, Shakur explained:
i was born Nov 13, 1963.
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, by a phenomenal single, working-class, mother. Cut my teeth in the hostile gang culture in South Central from the mid-70's til the late 80's. Was introduced to the New Afrikan Independence Movement, by way of the Spear & Shield Collective, in 1986, while in the SHU at San Quentin. It was also in 1986 that i became a Shakur. I am a founding cadre of the August Third Collective and a combatant in the New Afrikan Peoples Liberation Army.
I have had an indeterminate SHU term since 1989, for being a threat to the safety and security of the institution - presumably CDCR, though i suspect it's the institution of capitalism. I am an author that has produced pieces for various movement publications over the years as well as a couple of books. Currently working with Kersplebedeb Publishing & Distribution to publish a collection of writings done here in Pelican Bay Security Housing Unit.
Shakur was released from PB-SHU in Black August 2012.
For more writings by Sanyika Shakur click here.
I read his book, "Monster", and was extremely impressed by his intellect, as well as his ability to articulate his story on paper. I'm happy to see that he got out of Pelican Bay, in August of 2012; that he's still active politically in the New African movement. I hope he uses his intellect and influential abilities to a greater good and doesn't get caught up in the Criminal Justice System again.
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