Rizza Islam

Ronnie Steven “Rizza” Islam was born in Compton, California, in 1990. He was involved with the Nation of Islam (NOI) from a young age, attending a local mosque, and also engaged with the Church of Scientology through his family. His mother, Hanan Islam, and adoptive father, Alfreddie Johnson, founded the Scientology-backed nonprofit World Literacy Crusade, where Islam held various roles during his teenage years. This early exposure to community organizations and public speaking platforms helped shape his trajectory.

Islam’s involvement with the Nation of Islam deepened in the mid-2010s. Under the guidance of Tony Muhammad, he gained prominence within the NOI, meeting with Louis Farrakhan on multiple occasions in 2015 and 2016. During this period, Islam engaged in anti-vaccine activism and efforts to promote peace among rival street gangs in Los Angeles. A notable achievement from this time was his introduction of prominent anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Muhammad and Farrakhan in 2015, which led to a long-term collaboration. In 2019, he published a book titled “Message to the Millineals.” His growing influence within the NOI was further solidified in February 2021, when he shared the stage with seasoned NOI leaders at the annual Saviours’ Day conference, where Farrakhan publicly praised him as a “potential great minister.”

Beyond his work with the NOI, Rizza Islam has established a significant presence as a social media influencer, accumulating over 500,000 followers across various platforms. He utilizes these channels to disseminate his views as an activist and speaker. His influence has extended into mainstream culture, with mentions and praise from figures in the music industry. He has also been recognized by organizations such as the Los Angeles City Council for his community activism. Islam’s career showcases a progression from early organizational involvement to becoming a recognized speaker, author, and social media personality.