In this interview, on behalf of The Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), I speak with Brother Bilal Sunni Ali, Amir of The Imam Jamil Action Network (IJAN). IJAN serves as the advocacy arm of the legal campaign to free and exonerate Imam Jamil Al-Amin. Bilal gives an overview of the case and recent developments, including that The Innocence Project has taken on Imam Jamil’s case.
The Innocence Project, known for its work in exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing, has taken on Imam Jamil’s case, intending to prove his innocence and secure his release from prison.
Imam Jamil Al-Amin, formerly known as H. Rap Brown, is a prominent Muslim American leader and civil rights activist. He rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and later as the chairman of the Black Panther Party. In 2002, Imam Jamil was convicted of the murder of a sheriff’s deputy in Atlanta, Georgia, a crime he has consistently maintained he did not commit.
Visit the website for IJAN.

Akanke, an Atlanta native, grew up in a non-religious family. In her late twenties, she embraced Islam after an unexpected introduction to the faith while training as a television producer. Working on a live show featuring Muslim guests, she was captivated by the insightful discussions surrounding Islam. Encouraged by her colleagues, she attended Friday prayers and began reading the Quran, ultimately finding profound inspiration that solidified her decision to convert. This transformative experience ignited a lifelong passion for spirituality and personal growth rooted in her faith.
She holds a degree in Communication from Georgia State University, specializing in film, television, and anthropology. Her diverse career includes roles as a television and radio producer, life coach, voiceover artist, and abstract painter. During a decade spent in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Akanke refined her public speaking and leadership skills, mentoring women through two women-only Toastmasters clubs she founded. Above all, she emphasizes spirituality as the cornerstone of self-actualization, advocating for a life devoted to Allah. She believes personal growth and lasting success stem from a strong, loving relationship with Him.
Since 2007, Akanke has been actively involved with MANA in various capacities, including serving as Director of Communications and Board Vice President.
2 Responses
I’m Dawud Tijani ibn Sharifuddin aka David A Robinson who spent some time in Imam Jamil’s community in Atlanta, GA in 1993.
How can I send Sadaqa directly to the Imam at his facility???
I’m so overjoyed to know Imam Jamil’s case is being taken up by the Innocence Project. May God bless this righteous, persecuted brother. My heart breaks for him and my soul cries out for justice!