The day that Tupac Shakur met Maya Angelo on the set of poetic justice, he experienced a profound moment of empathy that would forever shape his life and career.

This is two minute black history.

What you didn't learn in school.

Tupac was on the rise in the early 1990s. He was Pac, a respected rapper, self-proclaimed

thug and actor, and he spoke his mind in every setting.

However, there was one particular moment when speaking his mind landed Pac in a heated argument

with another man on the film set of poetic justice, and it led to a truly unforgettable moment.

As he cursed and yelled, a warm voice broke through the haze.

Let me speak to you.

Maya Angelo's arm rested gently on his shoulder.

Angela, who made a cameo in the film, was on set that day and witnessed Pox Rage and helped guide

him back to peace through her words. Do you know how much you are needed? Do you know what you mean to us? Do you know that

hundreds of years the struggle had been for you?

Please, baby, take a minute, she said before finally sharing.

When was the last time anyone told you how important you are?

Did you know that our people stood on auction blocks, were sold, bought, and sold again, so that you could stay alive today?

Those words of understanding and empathy from Angelo made Tupac week. The rest of the time on set gave him a therapeutic outlet.

He took that single moment of empathy and channeled it into his films and music going forward.

What Angelo did in that moment is something we all take for granted.

She shared a moment of understanding, empathy, and love with someone who clearly needed

it. Sharing moments like that with those around us

builds a strong community that passes those lessons on for generations to come.

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