Perry Rashiyd Bakari is the creator of African Echoes Inc.
Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Perry grew up in an apartment
with his mother, father, an older brother and sister. His
mother and father were both from Alabama, the towns of Ozark
and Dothan respectfully. His mother encouraged him to read
the encyclopedia, dictionary, and books on African American
history. His mother also encouraged him to get a good traditional
education. His father on the other hand, felt that a strong
vocational trade would be the key to financial independence.
Perry's thirst for knowledge lead him to different culturally
centered organization, where his life was touched by a number
of positive role models. One of the most influencial and consistent mentors in Perry's life was, the late Carl "Dhati" Gregory. Carl "Dhati" Gregory was Perry's elementary school teacher, who formed a life long bond with his student. Perry fully credits Dhati's presence and consistency with quieting a number of serious storms that rolled through his life. Dhati introduced Perry to serious writers, music and exposed Perry to political activism. Dhati's mentorship brought Perry to an understanding that," the creation of a movement should have a purpose and a goal." And he taught Perry that, "a warrior should accept their responsibility to the people as a time honored gift".
Perry excelled at athletics such as
football, boxing and martial arts. As a result, he received
a number of awards for his high school football career, which
he played at Barringer High School in Newark, NJ. Like many
urban youth, Perry tried to use athletics, as his ticket to
escape from the violent streets of Newark, NJ.
He was stabbed in the face in Newark in 1980. His older brother,
a victim of robbery in Newark, was shot in the stomach in
1982 and survived. His older sister, a victim of a robbery
in Newark, was murdered after leaving a church revival in
August 1985, as a result of a gunshot wound to the head. A few months prior to his sisters death, he was involved in a fight on a college campus in Maryland. Perry was beat with brass knuckles and a wooden ax handle, which resulted in severe facial fractures, broken ribs and multiple surgeries to repair the damages. His
half brother from Dothan, Alabama died of AIDS in early 1988,
at Newark's University Hospital. In September 1989, his father
died from complication with colon cancer surgery, in Newark's
Saint Michael's Hospital. His mother died in December 1995 from
kidney cancer, in her hometown of Ozark, Alabama.
Growing from all his experiences, Perry used his energy to
serve the community of Newark, NJ as both a Newark police
officer and juvenile detective. He was forced into accidental
disability retirement by injuries sustained after being struck
by a drunk driver, while working. In his short career, Perry
learned how seriously discouraging, law enforcement policies,
can be for culturally conscious foot soldiers. To this day,
Perry believes that there are many culturally conscious, honest
and committed law enforcement officers, who are fighting an
"endless" battle, in systems with conflictual crime
policies. An argument he could not make, if he had not been
there.
He is armed with GODS blessing, a "passion" for
African centered books, art, music, martial arts, a Masters Degree
in Political Science(Public Policy) from Rutgers University - Newark, NJ,
the inspirational "voices" that "echo"
from the past, and the support of a few sincere family members
and friends.
Perry Rashiyd Bakari formally presents the business ventures of African Echoes Incorporated.
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