Wayne Pray, affectionately known as Akbar, is an American writer and columnist, who has become a beacon of hope for at-risk urban youth across the country. Born on March 22, 1948, he rose to notability as a convicted drug kingpin from Newark, New Jersey who headed a narcotics operation that distributed millions of dollars worth of cocaine and marijuana into Essex County, New Jersey from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. Despite his past, Pray has turned his life around and is now a shining example of how one can redeem oneself and make a positive difference in the world. Once described as "untouchable" by law enforcement, Pray was sentenced to life without possibility of parole in 1990, but he has spent the past few decades making amends and helping others.

In prison, Pray wrote the book "The Death of the Game", which warns youth of the detrimental realities associated with the street life. He is also a columnist and regular contributor to Don Diva magazine, a contributing writer to Nikki Turner's "Tales From Da Hood" and co-author of "The Street Chronicles" with Nikki Turner. Pray's writing has become a part of the curriculum in several Newark Public Schools, and has been praised for its powerful and impactful message.

In addition to his writing, Pray is the CEO and Founder of The Akbar Pray Foundation For Change (APFFC), a non-profit organization dedicated to re-directing the lives of at-risk urban youth. The organization provides a wide range of support services, including job training, education, mentorship, and conflict resolution.

Pray's work has not gone unnoticed, as he has gained the support of numerous prominent figures, including former mayor of Newark New Jersey, Ken Gibson, current mayor of Newark New Jersey Ras Baraka, the Late Congressman Donald Payne Jr. and president of the Newark chapter of the NAACP, Debra Gregory. Pray has also received support from members of the Newark Police Department and current members of the Newark Board of Education, as well as Representative of FEDCURE for the state of New York and two former Wardens of FCI Otisville.

Despite his past, Pray has proven that one can overcome their mistakes and make a positive difference in the world. He has completed over 60 odd Program Certificates, chaired the NAACP’s Lewisburg branch, and established what was purported to be the largest inmate-based, staff-approved program in the federal prison system. Pray has also taken a five-day crash course for "conflict resolution" and a six-month crash course on entrepreneurship, showcasing his dedication to self-improvement and growth.

Pray was serving his life sentence at FMC Butner, a medical prison facility in Butner, North Carolina.[1] With the assistance of attorneys Peter Goldberger and Isaac Wright Jr., Pray obtained a sentence reduction to time served (more than 36 years) from Judge Claire Cecchi under the "compassionate release" provision of the First Step Act. Pray was released on September 30, 2024.

Overall, Wayne Pray's story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of second chances. Through his writing and non-profit work, he has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for at-risk youth across the country, proving that one's past does not have to define their future.