Wednesday - October 24, 2007 by Brandi Hopper
A noose hung around the neck of the late legendary rapper Tupac's bronze statue in Atlanta this weekend.
It was one in a series of attacks on the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in recent days, according to the center's website.
Vandals defaced the building and left a noose around the statue's neck, ironically in the center's Peace Garden on Saturday (October 20). Early Monday morning (October 22) the statue was further damaged and plastered with handbills of rants referencing 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. Some bills also had vague threats against record companies and rappers.
A male has been arrested in connection with the break-in, and is currently being held in custody. The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is investigating this as a hate crime.
"We thank everyone for their prayers and support," Afeni Shakur, Tupac's mother, said via a statement. "Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators. Hate comes in all colors and genders therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings. With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community."
The Center is moving forward in the wake of the attacks, kicking off its 2nd Bi-Annual Film Screening with a re-dedication service of the Peace Garden on November 10. Film industry experts will form a panel after the service, all free to the public.
Donations to help the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center rebuild can be sent to:
TASF
5616 Memorial Drive
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Money can also be sent online via www.tasf.org or www.2PACLegacy.com.
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