Civil Rights Leader H. Rap Brown, Later Imam Jamil Al-Amin, Dies in Prison at 82

Imam Jamil Al-Amin, formerly known as 1960s Black Power leader H. Rap Brown, has died. He was 82 years old. His death was confirmed by his son, Kairi Al-Amin, through social media posts. The former activist died in a federal prison medical center in North Carolina.

Al-Amin had been serving a life sentence for the 2000 murder of a Georgia sheriff’s deputy. His conviction was highly controversial, with supporters maintaining his innocence for over two decades. His health had been declining due to a long battle with cancer.

From Militant Activist to Religious Leader

H. Rap Brown was a central and fiery figure in the Civil Rights movement. He rose to national prominence as chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). His famous declaration, “Violence is as American as cherry pie,” encapsulated his militant stance.

His activism often put him in direct conflict with law enforcement. In 1967, he was charged with inciting a riot in Cambridge, Maryland. According to Reuters, the events there highlighted the intense racial tensions of the era.

Brown’s life took a dramatic turn after a 1971 arrest for robbery. While serving his sentence at New York’s Attica prison, he converted to Islam. He emerged with a new name and a new mission: Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin.

A Contentious Conviction and Enduring Legacy

After his release, Al-Amin became a respected community leader in Atlanta. He ran a grocery store and led a mosque, advocating for peace and against drugs. This peaceful chapter was shattered in 2000 when he was accused of killing Deputy Ricky Kinchen and wounding another.

Al-Amin was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. His supporters, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), argued the case was flawed. They pointed to questionable evidence and alleged a political motive behind his prosecution.

His death closes a complex chapter in American history. H. Rap Brown’s journey from a symbol of Black Power to Imam Jamil Al-Amin remains a powerful narrative. His story reflects the nation’s ongoing struggles with race, justice, and redemption.

The death of Jamil Al-Amin marks the end of a turbulent life that mirrored America’s own battle with its civil rights history. His legacy as H. Rap Brown remains a subject of intense debate and reflection.

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Who was H. Rap Brown?

H. Rap Brown was a prominent 1960s civil rights activist and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He was known for his militant rhetoric and role in the Black Power movement before his conversion to Islam.

What was Jamil Al-Amin convicted of?

He was convicted of murdering Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Kinchen in 2000. The trial was contentious, and Al-Amin maintained his innocence until his death.

How did Jamil Al-Amin die?

He died in federal custody after a battle with cancer. His son had previously raised concerns about the quality of his medical care in prison.

Why was his conviction controversial?

Advocates argued the evidence was weak and the prosecution was politically motivated. Organizations like CAIR campaigned for a review of his case for years.

Where was he imprisoned?

Al-Amin was held in the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility in Colorado before being transferred to a federal medical prison in North Carolina.