Q: Tell us about your name. How did you choose it and what does it mean to you?
A: The first half of my name (Abu Ali) was chosen in 1974. I was in Leavenworth, Kansas at the time. The name captured my attention because it meant “Father, Inspiration.” I was only 23 and quite immature. I really didn’t know the significance of that name at the time, as I do now. Something urged me to carry it, so I had it tattooed on my left arm.
The second part of my name (Abdur Rahman) was given to me in 1988 after I took the affirmation that rendered me a Muslim while in the Old Tennessee Prison. This second half of my name means “Servant of the Compassionate.”
Even though I am now an Episcopalian [Christian], I have grown into my name and my name has grown into me. It is a name that helped me to search everywhere for healing and find the knowledge that would help others discover their own path to enlightenment and identity.
Q: What do you see as your greatest accomplishment?
A: I believe my greatest accomplishment is acquiring the knowledge which enabled me to create and maintain a therapeutic environment here on Death Row. I am now a qualified Rule 31-Senior Mediator. I’ve managed with the assistance of both institutional officials and inmates to bring about these programs: Conflict Management (Vanderbilt University), Philosophy and Community Healing (Vanderbilt University), Religion and Ethics (Belmont University), Philosophy and Arts History (Watkins College of Art and Design and Film). These programs are the cornerstone to the most stable and non-violent unit through the entire prison system here in the state of Tennessee.
Q: What are you most passionate about?
A: I am very concerned about domestic violence, mental illness, and racism. I was tortured as a child; I’ve been raped; I have mental health issues. No child here in America should be treated as if they are not human based on the color of their skin or not having the means to help and heal themselves. No adult based on the color of their skin or not having the means to help and heal themselves should be treated as if they do not matter. If this problem is not rectified, my situation is the end result.
Q: You draw and paint many images of eagles. What is the significance of that animal to you?
A: In early Christian mysticism, the eagle was a symbol of resurrection. The eagle is one of the greatest and most admired birds. It has served as inspiration to many societies, as a symbol of greater sight and perception. The bald eagle is often a symbol of the feminine, while the golden eagle symbolizes the masculine.
In 1980, I was given a name ceremony by a Lakota (Native American) Elder. The name given was Wanbli Yotanka (Sitting Eagle). To align myself with the eagle is to take on the responsibility and the power of becoming a mediator and bearer creative forces within the world. The eagle from all points of view stands for illumination of spirit, healing, and creation.
Q: Who are your best friends?
A: Since 1996, a period of twenty three years, I amazingly acquired numerous best friends. They are as follows:
Warner Cloyd, my little buddy (2 years old)
Dr. Linda G. Manning, my spiritual advisor since 2000
Brad MacLean, attorney since 1996
Kacy Silverstein, friend since 2003 and mother of Warner
Ed Miller, friend and Christian brother since 2011
Mrs. Cindy MacLean
Professor Robin Paris, friend and teacher since 2013
Jenny P. Cossu
Danny Lee
Ali Sokolowski
Kerry Jenkins
Taylor Davenport
Kyla Cretekos
Dan Mann
Beth Mann
Professor Phyllis Hildreth
Professor Janet Wolf
Professor Barbara Yantz
Dr. Elizabeth Lanplier
Akil Jahi, friend since 1995, death row resident, fellow mediator
Pastor Kevin Burns, friend since 1995, death row resident, fellow mediator
Terry King, friend since 1987, death row resident, fellow mediator
Rebecca Pierce, friend since 2002
Mrs. Helen Pierce, friend since 2002
Joanna Coleman (AKA Sister Sumayya), friend since 1993
Q: What’s the most important thing you want someone reading your website to know?
A: I’m guilty by participating in this incident in question, but I am not guilty as charged. I’m on death row because of obstruction of Justice, perjury, prosecutorial misconduct, and racism. The evidence shows: I did not kill anyone.
Published February 2020