Billy Garland on Afeni Giving Birth to His Son 2Pac, Listed Dad "Dead" on Birth Certificate (Part 4)

Watch full interviews early, uncensored and adfree as a Member

Watch this Full Interview

--------

In a recent interview, Billy Garland spoke candidly about the turbulent period leading up to the birth of his son, the acclaimed rapper Tupac Shakur. Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother, was embroiled in a high-profile legal battle as part of the Panther 21, charged with conspiracy and other crimes in 1970. Remarkably, Afeni, who faced the possibility of life imprisonment, chose to represent herself in court, skillfully cross-examining witnesses and exposing flaws in the prosecution's case. Garland details the everyday pressures faced by those associated with the Black Panther Party during this time, routinely harassed by law enforcement. Despite the stress, Garland recalls that Afeni's determination was unwavering. Amid the trial, Afeni became pregnant, and despite Garland's assurance that Tupac was his son, Afeni listed the father as "deceased" on the birth certificate. On June 16, 1971, she gave birth to Tupac shortly after being acquitted alongside her co-defendants, marking the end of a historic trial and the beginning of a legendary life.