An Amerikan Family: The Shakurs and the Nation They Created

In conversation with Melina Abdullah
Date: Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023
Time: 7–8pm
Location: Mark Taper Auditorium-Central Library
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“Magnificent…. A uniquely intimate history of Black liberation.” Los Angeles Times 

Award-winning journalist Santi Elijah Holley brings us a long overdue look at the Shakur family who, for over fifty years, have inspired generations of activists, scholars, and music fans. An Amerikan Family is the history of the fight for Black liberation in the United States, as experienced by the Shakurs. From Assata Shakur, the popular author and thinker, living for three decades in Cuban exile to the late, great rapper Tupac to roots in the Black Panther movement, and beyond, the Shakurs have been at the forefront of fighting for racial justice in the United States.  

Holley will be in conversation with American academic, civic leader, and founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter Dr. Melina Abdullah. 

Frequently asked questions

Co-presented with Skylight Books

Santi Elijah Holley

Santi Elijah Holley is an award-winning journalist and the author of An Amerikan Family: The Shakurs and the Nation They Created. His writing has appeared in numerous national and international outlets, including The Guardian, The Atlantic, The New Republic, Time, and The Washington Post. He lives in Los Angeles.


Melina Abdullah

Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), and mama of three children. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from the USC in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters, is the creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements.


Stacy-Lieberman_headshot_President-and-CEO_LFLA

Stacy Lieberman

As President and CEO of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA), Stacy Lieberman is an innovative and inclusive leader whose career dwells at the intersection of arts and culture, lifelong learning, storytelling, and equitable access. Stacy guides the Foundation’s philanthropic and public-facing priorities to serve the Los Angeles Public Library, embracing the notion that libraries are beacons of democracy where everyone is welcome. She works intentionally with community leaders, donors, and internal and external strategic partners to raise awareness and resources for the Library and its life-changing initiatives.

With more than 20 years of experience as a senior executive, Stacy has left an indelible mark on iconic L.A. arts, non-profit, and educational institutions such as The Broad, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Skirball Cultural Center. Building on an early career in book publishing, she has dedicated her professional life to sharing stories and broadening the reach of public institutions to welcome visitors and students of all ages and backgrounds to experience educational, arts, and cultural opportunities.