Net Worth Ranker
What Is Afeni Shakur Net Worth’ Net Worth?
At the time of her death in 2016, Afeni Shakur’s net worth was estimated to be $50 million. This substantial net worth was primarily derived from her role as the administrator of Tupac Shakur’s estate, inheriting the rights to his music catalog, royalties, and other intellectual property.
Early Life and Activism
Alice Faye Williams, who would later become known as Afeni Shakur, was born on January 10, 1947, in Lumberton, North Carolina. In 1958, she relocated to the Bronx, New York, with her mother to escape an abusive home environment. She demonstrated talent in performing arts but struggled with traditional education, though she was admitted to the Bronx High School of Science. Afeni later described herself as a “street fighter” and joined the Disciple Debs in Harlem.
At 21, she changed her name to Afeni Shakur, with “Afeni” meaning “lover of the people” in Yoruba and “Shakur” meaning “thankful” in Arabic. She joined the Black Panther Party and contributed to their newsletter, the “Panther Post.” She rose within the party, becoming a key figure and eventually leading the Harlem chapter. In 1969, Afeni and other Black Panther members were arrested and charged with conspiracy to bomb various police stations and buildings in New York. She faced charges including attempted murder and conspiracy. During her trial in 1971, while pregnant with Tupac, Afeni acted as her own attorney. She successfully cross-examined witnesses, including an undercover agent named Ralph White, who admitted to orchestrating unlawful activities, leading to the acquittal of the “Panther 21.” Although acquitted, Afeni spent two years in jail during the trial.
Tupac’s Legacy and Afeni’s Inheritance
Following her acquittal, Afeni gave birth to Tupac Amaru Shakur. She left the Black Panthers and married in 1975, later divorcing in 1982. She and her children moved to Baltimore, where she relied on welfare. Afeni struggled with drug abuse and moved to California for treatment. This addiction led to Tupac leaving home in 1989, although they eventually reconciled. By 1991, she had overcome her addiction through Narcotics Anonymous and moved to New York.
Tupac Shakur died intestate at the age of 25 in 1996. At the time of his death, he had $105,000 in a checking account. Death Row Records had supported him with advances and loans, and the label was paying Afeni Shakur $16,000 per month and covering rent payments for properties in California and Georgia. Afeni sued Death Row Records and threatened to block the release of Tupac’s posthumous album. Interscope Records intervened, providing the estate with $5 million. They also compelled Death Row to forgive half of Tupac’s $5 million debt to the label and increased his royalty rate from 12% to 18%. Over the following years, Tupac’s estate generated tens of millions of dollars from royalties and licensing deals. The intellectual property rights alone were worth tens of millions, contributing significantly to Afeni Shakur’s net worth.
Other Ventures and Activism
In 2004, Afeni released her biography, “Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary.” In 2009, she embarked on a speaking tour, including a keynote address at Vanderbilt University for Black History Month. Afeni also launched several clothing lines and other business ventures. These ventures likely contributed to her income but were secondary to the wealth generated from Tupac’s estate.
