If one believes that prisons are necessary for, or serve he function of, allowing people to transform themselves and contribute to society, then one must admit Shaka Adiyia Shakur has taken full advantage of this opportunity. The fortitude required to pursue lifelong learning and constant development, despite spending 13 years in solitary confinement and being denied access to programming, is admirable.
As you will see below, keeping Shaka A. Shakur behind bars and away from his family deprives not only his immediate relations and loved ones, but all of us, of the remarkable knowledge, mentorship, dialogue and facilitation skills, knowledge of mental health and trauma, and teaching experience he has to contribute to the betterment of our society.
Introduction
The following “Wall of Accomplishments” is just a sample of the meaningful and intentional learning, self-education, and even teaching Shaka performs while trapped in a cell and without the internet access–not to mention freedom of movement–that those on the outside are “privileged” to take for granted.
“We have the ability to make these prisons, institutions of higher learning,” Shaka insists, by “both taking the advantage and the initiative to develop the necessary skills and education to enhance Our chances of breaking these chains.” Upon release, he adds, We can “also further strengthen our ability to remain on the streets as well as be an asset to Our communities.”
We will post certificates, diplomas, and various letters of support from members and organizations within the community that support the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign and call for his immediate release.
It is important to see these as partial representations of who Shaka is as a person and as qualifications necessary for employment upon reentry, but also as benchmarks on his pathway to earn a degree in sociology and improve our world by becoming a counselor or working in a related field.
Likewise, it is noteworthy that he has earned his educational qualifications not only by taking advantage of every opportunity available to him through the Department of Corrections, but even by managing to pay for and perform the necessary coursework to earn certificates and degrees through outside institutions, such as his Legal Assistant/Paralegal Diploma with Distinction from the accredited Blackstone Career Institute (see featured picture).
Some Educational Achievements
Anyone who knows Shaka, and everyone who has to fortune to meet him, is immediately struck by his capacity for careful listening and his ability to lead a thoughtful dialogue. He is, to many, a mentor. It comes as no surprise, then, that among Shaka’s certifications are those for:
- Positive Offenders Implementing New Thinking (POINT): A peer program that teachers “12 Jewels of Positive Thinking,” such as taking initiative and raising the consciousness of oneself and others.
- Dialogue Skills Training: A program that, upon completion, ensures the ability to engage in substantive respectful and effective communication
- Appreciating Real Talent (ART): A therapeutic program for mental health that facilitates the positive expression of oneself, enhances critical thinking, and generally deals with achieving a healthy mind state.
- Recovery Route: A Department of Corrections Program whose curriculum addresses cognitive mental health with a focus on substance abuse;
- SET: A Peer Program that teaches basic principles of living a healthy and productive life;
- Power Over Addiction: A course taught by Dr. Mary Holley on behalf of Mothers Against Methampetamine;
- Amazing Facts Bible School: A Certification of Completion via Correspondence, which consists of 27 separate lessons on scripture, tradition, and more.
Yet Shaka is not only a student, but a teacher. For example, he was admitted to and completed an educational program intended for leaders to enhance their existing skills. In 2023, he earned a Certificate of Completion in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Leadership.
This course is taught by renowned leaders at the FranklinCovey Academy.
While pursuing a career in counseling or a related field, Shaka has also equipped himself with a vareity of skills that, while allowing him to work in and contribute to numerous fields inside of prison, also prepare him for a range of employment options upon release. For example, Shaka has earned certificates in:
- Hazardous Materials for Medical Personnel, a certificate issued by the Emergency Management Institute
- ServeSafe: A culinary arts program enabling him to work in food service that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the Conference for Food Protection.
Additionally, as Shaka has been incarcerated since 2002, he recognized the need to gain literacy in information technology systems. He impressively completed a course of study in Computer Training, earning a Diploma with the Highest Honors from the Stratford Career Institute.
The Learning Continues…
Again, the above is just a handful of the many educational certifications and diplomas Shaka has attained since his incarceration. It is clear that he will not stop improving himself and working to better the lives of his neighbors inside and outside of prison walls. It is just as clear he has more than paid his debt to society and has made the most of his time to learn a variety of necessary skills for life, employment, and health.
Shaka has served nearly 25 years on a non-murder charge in which the victim stated he was not opposed to post-conviction relief. It is time to bring him home!
For now, sign the petition demanding clemency for Shaka. By August 13, we will have another important step for you to take!
