Larry Vaughan "Dr. King Ogun Ali Muhammad"

Larry Vaughan “Dr. King Ogun Ali Muhammad,” sixty-seven, of Harrisburg, PA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Known throughout the community as “Brother Ali” or “Doc,” he lived his life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor and faithful friend to all. Brother Ali led a life of dedication to his beloved family, to community service and to leadership in the City of Harrisburg, PA. He was truly a spiritual warrior; a man of great strength, wisdom, bravery, dignity and compassion for others. Brother Ali was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Vaughan and Virginia Evans Vaughan; his sisters, Catherine “Cat” Copeland and Ethel Mae Perkins; and his beloved son, Ishmael Muhammad who was taken from us too soon. He is survived by his wife, Rafiyqa Muhammad aka Geneace Vaughan; brother, William “Uncle Boot” Jones; nine children, Tanya Lyles, Keisha Ordaz, Aaron Easton, Andrea Vaughan, Idriys Muhammad, Shariyka Muhammad, Andrew Vaughan, Imhotep Muhammad and Aliyah Muhammad; forty-five plus grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members and close friends. Brother Ali was born in Hertford County, Ahoskie, North Carolina, in 1950. His family later migrated to Brownsville, New York, where he was raised and graduated from high school. This is where he became a member of the Nation of Islam, Mosque #7, Brooklyn, NY, under the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He also began his training and love for martial arts in New York. He relocated to Pennsylvania in the early 1970’s and worked for the City of Harrisburg, Public Works Department, and for Hershey Foods (where he met his wife Rafiyqa). Soon after, Ali and his wife quit their jobs. They took a leap of faith and launched their family business, “Creations of Family Muhammad’s.” Over the years, he never looked back and became a successful entrepreneur. His business was located in the Broad Street Market for over thirty-four years and was one of the most popular Black-owned businesses in the City of Harrisburg. With a passion for “giving back,” in 1985 Brother Ali co-founded Ngozi Inc., a non-profit educational and cultural organization, Ngozi Institute, a licensed private school for grades K-12. He impacted many young lives through Ngozi Inc. Rites of Passage Program, which was a cultural arts program conducted in the Harrisburg School District. He also founded the Universal African Fighting Arts System, (martial arts system). He is known throughout the martial arts world as Dr. King Ogun Ali Muhammad. He has over forty-five years of experience and studied under such greats as Grand Master Artimus Scott, Grand Master Bruce Smith, Grand Master Carl 11X, Grand Master James Scott and the late great Dr. Moses Powell. He was awarded Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu Grand Master by Dr. Moses Powell and inducted into the Moses Powell New York State Hall of Fame and Wall of Fame. Dr. Powell gave him the name, “Gentle Giant,” for his strong, yet humble nature. Brother Ali trained hundreds of martial arts students and selectively awarded over fifteen Black Belts. Some of his students went on to become either a professional fighter or started their own schools. Universal African Fighting Arts System was so profound that he was featured in a permanent exhibit at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. He was often invited to conduct master classes at other martial arts schools. He also did radio and television interviews. He is known as “Uncle Wu,” a name given to him by his nephews of the Wu Tang Clan, and he played a major role in the film Wu-Tang vs. The Golden Phoenix, produced by RZA. Brother Ali was a father figure to many who were fatherless and even those who were not. He spearheaded The International African Family Festival held in Reservoir Park, in collaboration with the City of Harrisburg and other community organizations, which ran successfully for nineteen years. The African American Black Male Summit grew out of his concern for the plight to destroy the Black Male. He created the “Brother I Got Your Back Award,” which ran for six years and offered scholarships to aspiring young African-American males. Both were major events in Harrisburg that drew thousands of people from all walks of life annually. He traveled to Ghana, West Africa, and was welcomed with opened-arms. In his usual “giving” way, he helped provide clean water to a small African village during his month’s stay. Brother Ali’s contributions are far too many to mention, but those who have come in contact with him can attest to his passion and commitment to helping others and raising people’s consciousness. In his spare time, Brother Ali enjoyed spending time with his family and showing love to his grandchildren. He also enjoyed mentoring young people, taking long walks, traveling, collecting and showcasing authentic African artifacts and his daily trips to Dunkin Donuts for coffee. Brother Ali always expressed his gratitude for his many blessings. He respected everyone, and his service to others is greatly appreciated. He will truly be missed and lovingly remembered by his loved ones and his entire community. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone for their love, prayers and acts of kindness during our time of bereavement. Lovingly and Respectfully Submitted, The Family

Tributes

Larry Vaughan "Dr. King Ogun Ali Muhammad"

January 13, 1950 - March 15, 2017