Alli Muhammad facts for kids

Alli Muhammad is an African-American doctor, psychologist, and activist. He is known for starting the Revolutionary Black Panther Party (RBPP). This group aims to continue the work of the original Black Panther Party, which began in 1966. The RBPP was officially named in 1992.

Early Life and Family Background

Alli Muhammad was born in Gondar, Ethiopia. His father, who was of Afro-Caribbean and African-American descent, was a medical doctor and also served in the US Marines. His mother was also a medical doctor of Ethiopian descent. Muhammad's parents worked in the USA, the Caribbean, and Africa.

In 1967, his parents joined the Black Panther Party. They raised young Muhammad based on the ideas of the Black Panther Party. They made sure he was involved in the party's community programs. Muhammad grew up learning about Marxism-Leninism, socialism, Pan-Africanism, and Black nationalism. These ideas were very important to his parents.

Education and Studies

Muhammad studied medicine at the University of Tripoli in Libya, where he earned his first medical degree in internal medicine. He continued his medical studies at the University of Natal (now called The University of KwaZulu-Natal). There, he earned another medical degree, this time in neurology.

Besides his two medical degrees, Muhammad also holds two PhD degrees in psychology. He also has a master's degree in military science.

Leading the Revolutionary Black Panther Party

Alli Muhammad is the leader of the Revolutionary Black Panther Party. He says the main goal of the RBPP is to "feed, clothe, shelter, train & defend Black people." He also states that the group stands up for the "human rights of Black people."

The Revolutionary Black Panther Party has many chapters. There are over 34 chapters in the United States and several others around the world. Muhammad helps run various schools, medical centers, and community programs. These programs are located across the U.S. and globally. For example, a new chapter opened in the Bahamas in January 2022. The organization helps families in need there. Muhammad has said the RBPP is willing to work with the Bahamian government.

Activism for Human Rights

As an activist, Muhammad has worked hard to protect the human rights of Black people. Through the RBPP, he started movements like the Armed Black Human Rights Movement and Armed Freedom Rides. He has also led several Armed Human Rights Marches. These marches often involve people carrying weapons to show their right to self-defense.

Muhammad and the RBPP have also held "Human Rights Tribunals." These are meetings where people discuss and address human rights issues. For example, Muhammad and the RBPP's Milwaukee chapter marched in very cold weather. They marched in front of the Milwaukee Police precinct. They were demanding justice for Syville Smith and other African-American men. These men had died in incidents involving police in Wisconsin.

Muhammad believed that law enforcement was unfairly targeting him and the RBPP. He described this targeting as similar to COINTELPRO, a past government program that watched and disrupted certain groups. He even threatened to sue law enforcement for a large sum of money because of this.

Muhammad and the Revolutionary Black Panther Party have marched in other cities too. In St. Louis, Missouri, they marched through a wealthy neighborhood. They carried rifles and shotguns. Muhammad said this was to honor Black people who died in incidents involving police. These included Michael Brown Jr., Alton Sterling, and Ferguson activist Darren Seals. Muhammad believed that Angelo Brown's death was politically motivated because Brown was a national leader in the RBPP.

The group has also marched in Wilmington, North Carolina. Muhammad spoke about cases like Walter Scott and Brandon Smith there. He said they were victims of injustice. Brandon Smith was shot and killed by law enforcement in 2013. Muhammad and Smith's family believed the shooting was wrong.

Muhammad and the group also marched in Valdosta, Georgia. They held a "Human Rights Tribunal" there. They wanted the Kendrick Johnson case to be reopened. They also raised other important issues in the city and state.