Ex-Philadelphia Black Mafia Boss Lonnie Dawson comes out of jail after 43 years as Muslim

Lonnie Dawson, a former leader of the Philadelphia Black Mafia, was released from prison after serving 43 years behind bars.

His release followed a successful petition under Pennsylvania’s Post Conviction Relief Act (PCRA), which paved the way for his freedom after decades of incarceration.

“Mr. Dawson has spent the majority of his adult life behind bars,” Mischak said in a statement posted to his law firm’s website. “After more than 40 years of incarceration, Lonnie Dawson is grateful for the opportunity to live out his remaining years with dignity and peace.”

During his time in prison, Dawson converted to Islam and now goes by the name Abdul Salam.

Shortly after his release, a video circulating on social media showed him stepping out of the prison gates and kneeling on the road to offer prayer. The footage quickly gained attention online.

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