Ashanti Alston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashanti Alston
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Alston speaking in 2005
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Ashanti Alston Omowali
1954 Plainfield, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Organization | Black Panther Party Black Liberation Army |
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Ashanti Omowali Alston (born 1954) is an activist, speaker, and writer. He was once a member of the Black Panther Party and later the Black Liberation Army. He spent time in prison from 1974 to 1985, which deepened his interest in political ideas. Today, he helps lead the Jericho Movement, which works to support people held in prison for their political beliefs in the United States. Alston lives in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Who is Ashanti Alston?
Ashanti Alston is an important figure known for his work as an activist, speaker, and writer. He has dedicated his life to advocating for social justice and equality. His journey has involved being part of significant movements that shaped American history.
Early Life and Key Events
Ashanti Alston grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. He described his community as facing many challenges, including unfair treatment and a lack of power. When he was 11, a very important leader named Malcolm X was killed. Two years later, in 1967, major community events happened in nearby Newark and Plainfield.
Alston later learned about Malcolm X's life and ideas. He saw how people from difficult backgrounds could become important leaders. These events showed him that people in his community could be heroes and challenge unfair ideas.
Becoming an Activist
These experiences, especially the legacy of Malcolm X and the events of 1967, inspired Alston. At age 17, he decided to join the Black Panther Party. He felt the Panthers were continuing Malcolm X's work for change. While he had previously held strong negative feelings towards white people, his views changed after joining the Panthers. The Black Panther Party aimed for broader unity and justice for all.
In 1971, Alston also joined the Black Liberation Army (BLA). This group grew from the Panthers and believed in taking strong actions to fight for change in the United States.
Time in Prison and New Ideas
In 1974, Alston was arrested and spent 11 years in prison. During this time, he learned a lot about different political movements, ideas about how economies work, and various organizations. His time in prison helped him think deeply about his beliefs. He became an anarchist, which is a political idea focused on freedom and self-governance. This was different from some of the other political ideas, like Marxism-Leninism, that the Black Panther Party had explored.
While in prison, Alston also became disappointed with some of the BLA's practices. He had believed the BLA wanted to help Black communities overcome challenges, and he felt some of their actions did not align with this goal.
The Black Panther Party aimed for equality for everyone, including men and women. Alston noticed that sometimes the group struggled to live up to these goals. However, he also saw how the party empowered women to stand up for themselves and fight against unfair treatment.
Continuing His Advocacy
Today, Ashanti Alston continues his work for justice. He is part of the Steering Committee of the Jericho Movement. This movement works to support people in the United States who are held in prison because of their political beliefs.
Personal Life
In 1984, Ashanti Alston married Safiya Bukhari. She was also an activist and a member of the Black Panther Party and Black Liberation Army. Safiya Bukhari passed away in 2003.
