Yahkhahnahn Ammi’s Live or Die Tryin’ explores the trauma of the falsely accused

Yahkhahnahn Ammi, a passionate activist and advocate for the rights of melanated people, has released his memoir, Live or Die Tryin’, which offers a searing account of his wrongful imprisonment as a minor and his ongoing fight for justice.

At just fourteen, Ammi was sentenced to sixteen years in an adult prison for a crime he didn’t commit—a punishment far harsher than his older co-defendants, who shifted the blame onto him to secure lighter sentences.

Ammi’s life has been marked by adversity, but also by resilience. After his release, he built a new life—marrying, becoming a father, and even earning a PhD. However, his personal struggles continued, as he found himself embroiled in a bitter custody battle following a tumultuous divorce. Ammi’s belief in Black nationalism has placed him at the forefront of both personal and political battles, often at great personal cost.

In Live or Die Tryin’, Ammi chronicles his journey, from his harrowing experiences in prison to the ongoing legal and social battles that have defined his life. Central to his story is the systematic attempt to silence, discredit, and cancel him—a conspiracy, he alleges, spearheaded by his ex-wife and her co-conspirators.

Ammi frames his experience through what Bryan Allen describes as the “Four D’s”: Dismiss, Discredit, Demonize, and Destroy. “From the moment I spoke out against systemic oppression, I was labeled as ‘radical’, 'muderer', and  ‘rapist,’” Ammi writes. “Cancel culture was wielded against me, erasing my contributions and diminishing the impact of my work. Yet, I refused to be silenced.”

Ammi’s memoir is more than just a recounting of personal pain—it’s a call to action against systemic injustice. As his voice grew louder, the attacks on his character intensified, with the media painting him as a hypocrite and a fraud. When attempts to discredit him failed, the next step was to demonize him, labeling him as a dangerous felon to alienate potential supporters.

Despite these efforts, Ammi remained resolute. “The struggle for liberation is worth any price,” he declares. Live or Die Tryin’ is a testament to his relentless perseverance and serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Through his story, Ammi urges others to continue the fight for justice, no matter the personal cost.