Show Respect: Dr. Malachi York

The Islamic game changed when Imaam Isa hit the scene. However, when Black Muslims and Islam are mentioned, Imaam Isa is rarely acknowledged. Since people seem to have forgotten about our living Man of the Hour let me refresh your memory…

It was the 1980s and early 90s. Black people were conscious and yearned for knowledge of self. Brothas were attractive and more intriguing when they stood chewing grape flavored chew sticks, skin smelling of Frank & Myrrh while scientifically breaking down why black women should keep their hair natural. Sistas were black, beautiful, intelligent, and nurturing. Red, black, and green Africa medallions were swinging from necks throughout the ‘hood and a love for knowledge and African culture was felt everywhere. Black was back and better than ever.

Located in the middle of almost every big city on the East Coast was an Islamic movement like no other—The Ansaaru Allah Community/Nubian Islaamic Hebrews. Dressed in all white, pushing oils, tapes, and prolific books, members of the Ansaaru Allah Community propagated throughout their neighborhoods spreading the bona-fide truth as told by As Saayd Al Imaam Isa Al-Haadi Al-Mahdi aka Imaam Isa aka Dr. York. Imaam Isa as he was known by most, was blazing pure fire to black youth. He taught everything from African history to Christian philosophy. His mission was to raise the consciousness of his people through education and realization.  Imaam Isa was building a nation within a nation with a significant portion of East Coast black youth engaged in his teachings.

After some time, Imaam Isa became known simply as Dr. York and moved away from religious ideologies and toward a variety of other  teachings such as Egyptian, Sumerian, and Native American history, astrology, health, United States law, etc ,etc.  The mid to late 90s brought Dr. York a strong following of eager students who soaked up his teachings like a sponge. The Ansaaru Allah Community/Nubian Islaamic Hebrews morphed into The Holy Tabernacle Ministries which later became known as The United Nuwaupian Nation (now known as United Nuwaupians Worldwide).

Dr. York’s students were taught such a vast amount of information that the mantra of the organization became “Don’t believe me, check it out”, as Dr. York was well aware of the dangers caused by blind followers. He wanted his students to learn and have the ability to prove or disprove what they were taught. As a man with the gift of gab and amazing intelligence, Dr. York knew that his teachings (which were a mix of his divinely inspired lessons and his own personal research) could attract followers who would  follow him without so much as a question or a doubt. The mantra “Don’t believe me, check it out” was his attempt to encourage genuine education.

As Dr. York’s organization, popularity, and influence grew, so did his power. By raising the consciousness of people of color, Dr. York was singlehandedly endangering the livelihoods of White America. This man had to be stopped.

In May 2002, Dr. York was arrested. He has now been incarcerated for 8 years and it is feared that he may never be released. This man, who has touched the lives of people across the globe and transformed the minds of the black community, is treated as an afterthought to so many, including those whom his efforts have affected the most.  He is neglectfully forgotten as he sits in a jail cell moving closer to a fate that does not have to be. He brought enlightenment to people of color all over the world yet he is nearly erased from the memory of the people he came to aid. Recent Black Muslim movements are often marginalized to the likes of the Nation of Islam and Minister Louis Farrakhan which is an insult to the legacy of Dr. York. As one of the greatest teachers of our time, we cannot let Dr. York be forgotten nor can we neglect to acknowledge that, much like Mumia Abu Jamal, Dr. York is a political prisoner held hostage on American soil.  

Keep the memory of Dr. York alive…

Help in the fight for Dr. Malachi York's freedom!