Former Black Panther Leader H. Rap Brown Dies in Prison Hospital at 82

H. Rap Brown, a prominent figure in the Black Power movement, has died. He was 82 years old. His death occurred at a federal medical center in North Carolina.

Brown was serving a life sentence for murder. His passing marks the end of a complex and controversial chapter in American civil rights history.

A Life of Activism and Incarceration

Brown was a fiery orator in the 1960s. He famously declared that violence was “as American as cherry pie.” This statement captured the era’s turbulent spirit.

He led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Later, he became the Black Panther Party’s minister of justice. According to the Associated Press, his activism made him a target for law enforcement.

His life took a dramatic turn in 1971. He was arrested for a robbery and shootout with New York police. This led to a five-year prison sentence.

Conversion and a New Identity

During his incarceration, Brown converted to Islam. He changed his name to Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin. Upon release, he moved to Atlanta and became a respected community Imam.

He ran a grocery store and was seen as a peaceful leader. This new life was a stark contrast to his earlier years. He spoke about finding clarity through his faith.

This period of relative peace ended violently in 2000. Two sheriff’s deputies arrived at his home to serve a warrant. The encounter ended in a fatal shootout.

A Conviction and Lingering Doubts

Deputy Ricky Kinchen was killed in the shooting. Al-Amin was convicted of his murder in 2002. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Throughout his trial, he maintained his innocence. His legal team argued he was framed. They suggested a government conspiracy dating back to his Black Panther days.

His family continues to question the trial’s fairness. They point to new evidence and inconsistent witness accounts. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear his final appeal in 2020.

The death of H. Rap Brown closes a significant but contentious life story. His journey from militant leader to spiritual figure remains a powerful narrative. His legacy within the Black Power movement is indelible.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who was H. Rap Brown?

H. Rap Brown was a leading activist in the 1960s Black Power movement. He chaired the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and was a Black Panther leader. His later life was marked by his conversion to Islam and a murder conviction.

What was H. Rap Brown famous for saying?

He is famously quoted as saying violence is “as American as cherry pie.” This was during a 1967 news conference. The statement became a defining slogan of the era’s racial strife.

Why was H. Rap Brown in prison?

He was serving a life sentence for the 2000 murder of Fulton County Deputy Sheriff Ricky Kinchen. He was convicted in 2002 after a highly publicized trial. He maintained his innocence until his death.

How did H. Rap Brown’s life change after prison?

After a prison term in the 1970s, he converted to Islam and changed his name to Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin. He became a community leader and Imam in Atlanta. He was known for his work revitalizing local neighborhoods.

What was the controversy surrounding his trial?

His defense team argued he was the victim of a long-standing government conspiracy. They cited questionable evidence and witness inconsistencies. His family believes newly uncovered files cast doubt on the conviction.