Jailhouse Lawyer.Labor Organizer.Freedom Fighter.

Melvin Ray, AKA Bennu Hannibal Ra-Sun is one of the nation's most prominent incarcerated organizers and a co-founder of the Free Alabama Movement aka F.A.M. Through F.A.M., Melvin has led countless protests, strikes, and online campaigns both inside and outside the walls of the Alabama prison system, fighting for sentencing reform, labor rights, parole reform, and basic human rights for men and women incarcerated across the nation. His work has been recognized by national and international media, including features on Vice, Al Jazeera, and, most recently, in the 2025 HBO documentary, The Alabama Solution. The Alabama Department of Corrections has retaliated against Bennu for his work, but he continues to organize and support other men in challenging unjust convictions and living conditions through legal filings and peaceful protest.

Outside of his organizing work, Bennu is fighting to earn a second chance at freedom. Bennu has been incarcerated for most of his adult life. He was first incarcerated in 1988, when he was 16 years old, and is currently serving a life without parole sentence for murder. He is currently pursuing legal avenues to have his case and sentencing reviewed to earn his freedom.