Khalid Raheem

Biography of Khalid Raheem

Khalid Raheem is a community activist and author based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who has a profound commitment to radical Black liberation. His activism began in early 1970 when he joined the Philadelphia chapter of the Black Panther Party.

During his incarceration, Raheem embraced Islam, which fortified his dedication to personal growth and social justice. Upon release, he worked with various Pittsburgh organizations as a counselor, program director, youth worker, and consultant. His affiliations include the National Black Independent Political Party, Pittsburghers Against Apartheid, Community Mosque, Inc., the African American United Front, the Million Man March Local Organizing Committee, the October 22nd Coalition, Citizens for Police Accountability, Jericho, and the Gang Peace Council of Western Pennsylvania. He also founded the New Afrikan Independence Party.

In April 1993, Raheem attended the National Urban Peace and Justice Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, aiming to address youth violence. This led to the formation of the Gang Peace Council of Western Pennsylvania and the National Council for Urban Peace and Justice, where he serves as President/CEO.

In 2019, Raheem initiated the New Afrikan Workers Union to combat employment discrimination and marginalization of Black workers, focusing on organizing across various sectors, including construction, retail, and clerical work.

Throughout his career, Khalid Raheem has been a steadfast advocate for quality education, affirmative action, reparations, freedom for U.S. political prisoners, living wage initiatives, and criminal justice reform, significantly impacting Pittsburgh's social and political landscape.