Afeni Shakur’s Life Story Heading to Theaters as the Movie "Dear Mama"

In late August 2007, Young Noble of the Outlawz and director Omar “Ice Man” Sharif announced that their production company HollyHood Filmz had acquired the movie rights to Dear Mama: The Life Story of Afeni Shakur. The feature film was to be produced jointly with Amaru Entertainment, the company owned by Tupac’s mother. The project borrowed its title from Tupac’s song “Dear Mama”.

From Lumberton to After Tupac’s Death

The plan called for an arc spanning the entire life of Afeni Shakur: childhood in Lumberton, North Carolina, her role as a leading member of the Black Panther Party, the time in prison while pregnant with Tupac, her drug addiction, and the years following her son’s death.

Young Noble called the story “long overdue.” He noted that Afeni Shakur had defended herself while pregnant during the Panther bombing trial, and stated that the world should learn where Tupac got his mind, heart, and courage. Afeni Shakur had reportedly given the project her blessing.

The soundtrack was to be overseen by Young Buck and the Outlawz; artists mentioned included 50 Cent and T.I. A distributor was not yet in place, and HollyHood Filmz stated it was in negotiations with studios. The project is not to be confused with the 2023 docuseries Dear Mama by Allen Hughes.