Andrew “Twin” Parker-Bey
Photo courtesy of Dominque Conway.
Memorial by Anthony Harding
Andrew Paul Parker-Bey was born on August 18, 1958 and died on April 27, 2020. His nickname was “Twin.” He was a grand sheik in the Moorish Science, during his incarceration up until his demise. Andrew was a studious individual, constantly devouring all books whatever their genre. He received his B.A. of Science degree in Management Science from Coppin State University in ‘93. Due to him being an outstanding student, he also was on the Dean’s List.
We at times take time out to salute our vets. Andrew was an Army vet who was honorably discharged in ‘76. This service led him to train dogs for disabled vets. The greatest sacrifice one can make in their lives is to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of others. Andrew was kind, virtuous, and empathetic to others. The sad thing about him dying is there will never be another unique person like he was.
Memorial by Dominque Conway
Twin’s Friend
In loving memory of our friend Twin. May you find peace at last.
From Mourning Our Losses:
On April 27, 2020, Andrew “Twin” Parker-Bey left behind several communities that valued him deeply. Having grown up in Catonsville, Maryland, Andrew, 61, remained a Maryland resident and lived in Jessup Correctional Institution at the time of his death. While incarcerated, he inspired admiration from those around him by becoming involved in several programs offered in the prison that helped him develop personally or that allowed him to help others. Specifically, he was a dedicated member of the American Friends Service Committee's (AFSC) Friend of a Friend program, a mentoring initiative that focuses on peaceful conflict resolution and reconciliation inside prisons. This program allowed him to develop his own skills while also becoming part of a larger community. After Andrew’s death, AFSC created a petition centered around his story that aimed to secure a broader release policy in Maryland prisons during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family photo obtained from the American Friends Service Committee.
In addition to communities within Jessup, the Moorish Science Temple of America Grand Temple 13 also expressed its concern for Andrew when he became ill with COVID-19. Brother R. Edwards-El wrote in the temple’s Facebook group about Andrew’s medical condition while he was hospitalized. He pleaded, “May Allah, wrap our brother, Andrew Parker-Bey, in His Divine Mercy and Love.” Brother R. Edwards-El’s words were met with additional support from other community members.
Undoubtedly, Andrew’s most important support system was his family. He leaves behind his three children, his brother, his nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren.
Members of Andrew’s family are rightfully upset about the prison’s handling of his medical situation. His niece, Nekia Randall, told the press that Andrew had several underlying medical conditions known to exacerbate COVID-19, but he received not even a chance for release as a result of Maryland’s policies. Andrew’s illness was finally acknowledged when he was discovered unconscious in the prison and hospitalized on April 13. During his hospitalization at University of Maryland Medical Center, Andrew’s prognosis was a moving target. First, he needed a blood transfusion, and later he entered a medically-induced coma. Medical personnel then predicted he would recover — but then his heart stopped, and the virus cost him his life on the evening of April 27. His family reports, however, that they were not informed in a timely manner about his hospitalization. Andrew’s brother, Joseph Green, said that the way the prison communicated with them was “horrible.” Nekia added that the Maryland Department of Corrections has not even been truthful about its failure to communicate; a department spokesperson claims that the family was informed forty-five minutes after Andrew’s death, when, in reality, the notification came almost a day later.
Like so many others, Andrew’s frustrations with the criminal justice system began long before he contracted COVID-19. Andrew has always maintained his innocence, and, after having been convicted by an all-white jury in 1981, he told the presiding judge, “This is the black man’s grief.” Discussing Andrew’s situation, his brother Joseph said, “It’s not right.” Joseph added, “He’s more than a number,” a reminder that is unfortunately all too relevant in prisons, especially during the current health crisis.
Despite his challenges, it is clear that Andrew impacted many communities over the course of his lifetime. There were so many people and organizations that will miss the lost opportunities they could have had with him. We mourn the life of this dear friend, brother, father, and grandfather.
This part of the memorial was written by MOL team member Eliza Kravitz with information from reporting by Phillip Jackson of The Baltimore Sun, Barry Simms of WBAL TV, American Friends Service Committee, and Moorish Science Temple of America: Grand Temple 13.
