AUC library celebrates Tupac Shakur with rare archive

June 16, 2017

Every library is stocked with books of all types, but the AUC Woodruff Library has something special to offer: an exclusive Tupac Shakur archive.

The index, which includes original handwritten manuscripts, writings from his diary, song lyrics and other personal items, was handed over to the library in 2009 by the artist's mother, Afeni Shakur.

"The collection includes more than 25 boxes of Tupac's work," library CEO Loretta Parham said in a statement. "Ms. Shakur chose the AUC Woodruff Library because Tupac loved Atlanta. She wanted his work to be explored and used by academics to develop more intellectual thought around her son's work and hip-hop culture."

The Shakur papers are one of many major archival collections housed at Woodruff, including those of Maynard Jackson, C. Eric Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. The 13,000-piece King collection is one of the most extensive compilations of his writings and was purchased from his family for $32 million.

But, with the moving coming out, all eyes will be on the library that serves students at Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center, it's hosting a special viewing of the collection for the public on Wednesday, June 21.

The event will celebrate the release of the biopic "All Eyez On Me," which hit theaters June 16 on what would have been Shakur's 46th birthday.

“Anyone who considers themselves a Hip Hop Head or a Tupac fan would benefit from exploring this collection of his most intellectual work,” media and hip-hop scholar Nsenga Burton said in the statement. “He used his platform, his music, and his interviews to discuss serious, complex issues in a brilliant way.”