Q&A With TASF's Celina Nixon

It's been over a decade since Tupac left us, but through his classic albums, poems, acting work and computer animated collaborations, one of the greatest artists hip-hop has ever known still influences many lives worldwide. Via his music and poems, he enlightened us to facts about society that others ignored or tried to conceal, which made him a respected public character. Like Mandela and King, he was the voice for people who did not have one. He encouraged his followers to live their dreams and set his own life as an example. Although his youth was tempestuous, his love for performing arts gave him better prospects in life. A rose that grew from the concrete. After his tragic death, his message served as the input for the launch of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF), founded by his mother Afeni Shakur.

In an exclusive interview with Ballerstatus, Celina Nixon, Art Director of the TASF, talks about how Tupac serves as the basis for the foundation and the stages the TASF has gone through ever since its launch.

BallerStatus.com: The mission of The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation is to provide training and support for students who aspire to enhance their creative talents. You started out as a student and returned every year. What kind of impact did the classes have on your life and how do you think they influence the other participants?

Celina Nixon: The curriculum that was taught in the classes was very motivating and inspired me to accomplish my goals in spite of what my circumstances were at the time. Every student was treated equally and every opinion or comment was appreciated, which created a comfortable environment for creativity and expression.

BallerStatus.com: The founder of the Center, Tupac's mother Afeni Shakur, personally offered you a job at the TASF. How did that come about and what are you tasks as the Art Director of the Center?

Celina Nixon: I knew that the time would come for me to turn 18 and graduate from the program, so I took every opportunity to stand out and prove that I would be an asset as an employee of the foundation. I assisted instructors, showed leadership and maturity amongst the students, and gave it my all on stage, among other things. I never thought I'd work my way up to being the actual Artistic Director. I am now responsible for giving our students the same inspiration that given to me seven years ago when I began with the foundation.

BallerStatus.com: The TASF is located in Stone Mountain, Georgia. At first glance, that might not seem the most logical place to launch the foundation. What were the main criteria for selecting Stone Mountain as the home for the Center?

Celina Nixon: After Tupac purchased his mother a home located here in Stone Mountain, the rest of the family migrated here as well. The 10 acre property was vacant for many years and caught Mrs. Shakur's interest. She knew it was a great place to build a Performing Arts Center seeing that there are no community art centers in the area.

BallerStatus.com: The TASF offers an array of year-round classes and programs covering creative disciplines as diverse as poetry, creative writing, acting, dance, and spoken word. Is everyone able to enroll in those classes or are there certain requirements or audition processes that kids have to go through?

Celina Nixon: Since we opened in June 2005, there has been an overwhelming amount of interest to enroll in our program, so we began to hold auditions for new students. This program is for students between the ages of 12 and 18. At the auditions, we look not so much for skill in the areas of song, dance, and drama as we do for personality, desire, and the will to learn. Some students who have been accepted have never performed before.

BallerStatus.com: How much of Tupac's life and work is incorporated in the classes that are given at the Center?

Celina Nixon: The Center for the Arts was Tupac's vision, so we make sure that our students learn about his life and what he believed in. Many of the pieces in our annual production are inspired by Tupac's poetry and music. The students study from "The Rose that Grew from Concrete," a collection of Tupac's poetry, and incorporates songs, dances, and poems. The Oscar nominated documentary, "Tupac: Resurrection," is definitely mandatory for our students to view because it is a great way to see Tupac's many sides.

BallerStatus.com: The TASF is working on several new projects. Phase one of a three phase TASF plan is completed and consists of the Visitor Center and Peace Garden. Can you speak a little on the Peace Garden and the thought behind it?

Celina Nixon: The Peace Garden is a beautiful 6 acre property that was created to promote peace in our community and give people a place to come and enjoy serenity. In the center of the garden there is a 9 foot bronze statue of Tupac Shakur that stands in the middle of the water fountain, surrounded by bricks engraved with personal message to Tupac from his fans and loved ones from all over the world. There are also three pavilions on the property that have been used for yoga, painting, workshops, and meditation.

BallerStatus.com: People can support the TASF through the One Brick At A Time Fundraiser. Tell me more about that.

Celina Nixon: The bricks that I mentioned in the Peace Garden surrounding Tupac's cross can be purchased for $100 as a part of the One Brick at a Time Fundraiser. If every Tupac fan gave a $1 dollar donation, we would be several million dollars closer to our goal of completing the whole center for the arts.

BallerStatus.com: Jada Pinkett Smith donated $1 million to the Baltimore School of the Arts, where she became friends with Tupac. She wanted the school's new theatre to be named after him. Not only musicians and actors, but the rest of the world has embraced him as a role model. You did not know Tupac personally, but what do you think it was about him that made him such a leader and influence?

Celina Nixon: He was very passionate about his art and what he believed in. He knew that he only had a short period of time to complete a lifetime of work and that's what made him special. Genius indeed! He has given even me hope and opportunity. He left it to us to continue his legacy for the next generation.

BallerStatus.com: What other events can we look out for from the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation?

Celina Nixon: The foundation is hosting many classes, events, and programs in 2007. Visit our website TASF.org for detailed information on upcoming events and projects.

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