by Rahim Pirmuhamedov
Frank Meeink is a famous speaker known for his 2010 book Autobiography of a Recovering Skinhead. As a teenager, Meeink was already widely known, but not for the right reasons. At just 17 years old, Meeink was the host of a cable access show called The Reich, where he sought to recruit individuals into the neo-Nazi movement. He was a member of a gang known as the Skinheads, a group of youths supporting a racist movement. In his shows and other media, Meeink represented and acted as a spokesperson for the neo-Nazi organization. By 18, Meeink had been incarcerated due to numerous violent crimes such as beating a man and even kidnapping. Meeink used a gun in the kidnapping and recorded the incident on a videotape. He was later tried as an adult.
Meeink spent numerous years in prison, and this is where his journey began. In prison, Meeink was exposed to numerous people from different ethnic backgrounds. While in prison, when associating with other people, Meeink learned that all people are equal no matter their race. Also, while in prison, he was exposed to Christianity which further changed his ideologies. He learned that all people were the same before God regardless of race, social status, or even ethnicity. When he got out of prison, he came out as a changed person, and he was inspired to write a book to tell people about his experience as a skinhead, his experience in prison, and how it transformed him. After releasing his book in 2010, he inspired many people across the globe and wanted to reach out to people of different backgrounds. Meeink wanted to reach mass populations, which made him partner up with Philadelphia Flyers, where he initiated a hate prevention program, Harmony Through Hockey. Meeink also initiated college visits at this time to bring awareness to on-going problems concerning racism and hate. In his college tours, he emphasized cultural diversity and equality for all. Through his programs, he was able to reach mass populations which is a positive thing for society. His teachings have become of value since he continues to prevent and sensitize people against racist activities.
During his SUNY Geneseo visit, Meeink gave an account of how he became a skinhead. He said that it was during family visits that he discovered his cousin was engaged in skinhead activities. Since he was young, he had no idea of what he was getting himself into. However, he insisted that anyone could change if he did, with support from caring people and friends. In his talk, he gave the whole story about his experiences when he was a skinhead, what they did, and their beliefs while he was in the group. As a skinhead, Meeink and his skinhead gang engaged in violent activities and hate crimes where they attacked immigrants or racial minorities; they were against racial diversity; they only believed in one race that is theirs only. The skinhead further expressed their racist ideas through music and street violence primarily. His talk also encouraged us about equity for all people and how we are equal before God regardless of ethnic background. He also encouraged cultural acceptance and appreciation, where he urged for cultural intervention programs in college and schools to promote cultural diversity in school. Due to Meeink’s visit, SUNY Geneseo students may have come to view ethnicity and race from a different perspective. They may have been able to appreciate the need for and importance of diversity more greatly. Meeink’s visit may have changed the cultural attitudes and behaviors of some Geneseo students.