Former Black Panther member Afeni Shakur and the mother of late activist and artist popularly known as Tupac Shakur founded a non-profit organization originally named The Shakur Family Foundation in 1997. The original purpose of this organization was to provide free high quality arts training to young inspiring individuals. High quality art training included creative writing, vocal technique, acting, stage set design, dance, poetry and spoken word to children ages 12 through 18. The organization provided a safe and comfortable environment that offered children from low economic backgrounds opportunities to express themselves through arts. The primary mission was to help children identify their trauma by understanding mental illnesses and heal the effects by learning more about therapeutic resources and their interest in creative arts. The organization offered five programs which are called the following: Mental Health Awareness, Youth and Creative Arts, Support for families affected by incarceration, Women and Child Trafficking Prevention, and Peace and Conflict Resolution. These programs provide communities with tools, healing techniques and resources to promote mental wellness. This organization's dedication to mental wellness helps ease the impact that trauma has on young children, families and community members. Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation nationally hosted Essay Competitions, charity Golf Tournaments, Internships, and awarded scholarships during this time. In the year of 2016 Afeni Shakur passed away and her daughter with Dr. Mutulu Shakur; Sekyiwa Shaku has led the organization since as the president.