Council Approves District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife’s Resolution To Rename A Section of MacArthur Blvd To Be Tupac Shakur Way
OAKLAND- During the May 16, 2023 meeting of the Oakland City Council, elected officials approved a resolution to commemoratively rename MacArthur Boulevard between Grand and Van Buren Ave. as “Tupac Shakur Way” after the late rapper Tupac Shakur where he once lived.
“We want to thank The City of Oakland, Councilmember Carroll Fife, and LeRoy McCarthy of Heterodoxx Inc. for all the hard work in bringing the Tupac Shakur Way street naming to life. We hope that this street sign resides at the intersection of Love, Courage, Compassion, Honor, and Community,” said Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur, President – Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation & Sister of the late Tupac Shakur. “These are important virtues for me, my family, and The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation. We look forward to peace, healing, and building new legacies, here on Tupac Shakur Way.”
In a statement addressing why she brought forward this resolution, Councilmember Carroll Fife:
“This street renaming reminds us of Tupac Amaru Shakur’s life, legacy and contribution to Oakland, California. With what seemed to be effortless skill, this Black Panther Party Cub influenced hearts and minds while highlighting the contradictions of the brand of “American exceptionalism” that “has money for wars but can’t feed the poor”. In addition to his theatrical and literary contributions, we recognize his social commentary; one that is just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. Tupac will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time by his family and fans; touching countless lives of people all over the world, spanning several decades. I am honored to bring forward this resolution along with LeRoy McCarthy and Heterodoxx Inc. and look forward to a continued partnership with the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation to ensure the Shakur legacy lives on and that we build a world where roses no longer have to grow through concrete because we’ve broken down those obstacles and softened the ground for all beauty to bloom with ease.
The life of American hip-hop artist, actor, writer, and humanist Tupac Shakur is internationally observed and celebrated by millions; and although Tupac was born in Harlem, New York City in 1971, later lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and in Marin City, California, he cherished his time in Oakland as his home, stating that he got his ‘Game’ from Oakland. Tupac Shakur once said: “…I give all my love to Oakland, if I’ma claim somewhere I’ma claim Oakland”; and connecting with Oakland-based hip-hop group Digital Underground launched Tupac’s career, paying his dues as a roadie, and a backup dancer, before rapping on records. Tupac became one of the most talented and thought-provoking hip-hop Master of Ceremony’s (M.C.), releasing several albums, and to date selling over 75 million albums worldwide.
The resolution intends to honor Tupac Shakur’s contribution to Oakland and the Bay Area by retaining the existing street name, adding an additional honorary street name and installing commemorative plaques and/or signs. Costs associated with the commemorative act will be borne by the Tupac Shakur Foundation. An event that will include the placement of the new signage will take place in September 2023, stay tuned for additional information.
Source: Press Release