Although Tupac wasn’t originally from Oakland, he often paid tribute and declared his love for the Bay Area city. He once said, “…I give all my love to Oakland, if I’ma claim somewhere I’ma claim Oakland.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndF00KWIvcc
City of Oakland
Mayor’s Proclamation
IN HONOR
OF
TUPAC AMARU SHAKUR
WHEREAS, the life of American hip-hop artist, actor, writer, and humanist Tupac Shakur
will be internationally observed and celebrated by millions on his birthday June 16; and
WHEREAS, 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 once said: “…I give all my love to Oakland, if I’ma claim
somewhere I’ma claim Oakland”; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, the life of Tupac was an outlet for original artistic expression, as shown in his
poem “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” songs such as “Changes,” “Keep Ya Head Up,” and
“Dear Mama” dedicated to his mother, Afeni Shakur, and all Mothers, “Only God Can Judge Me,”
and “California Love” where he said: “from Oakland to Sacktown/The Bay Area and back
down/Cali is where they put they Mack down/Give me love!”; and
WHEREAS, his birth date serves to remind us of his contributions to our communities
through the celebration of art and culture as an awakening tool towards changes in
society; and
NOW THERFORE, Be It Resolved, that I, Libby Schaaf, Mayor of the City of Oakland hereby
proclaim June 16, 2016 as:
“TUPAC SHAKUR DAY”
In the City of Oakland and encourage its recognition of remembrance by all its citizens.
THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the office of the Mayor to
be affixed.
______________________________________________
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
