Biography

Born and partially raised in Belleville, New Jersey. Akira Pray spent her teen years in Dekalb County, Georgia. Her formative years were riddled with drug induced violence, abuse, abandonment and neglect by those entrusted with her care. Unfortunately both of her parents were incarcerated for almost all of her childhood. To this day, she is still fighting to free her father, Wayne “Akbar” Pray, writer, community activist and convicted drug kingpin. Who has served 35 years of a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Throughout all of her trials, she prevailed to be a strong vivacious advocate for women and others facing oppression and adversity. She was determined that her pain would be turned to purpose and she'd use her story to help guide others out of darkness and despair. As a teen mother she knew all of the hurdles life would throw at her. She ultimately, overcame THEM ALL. Graduating with a degree in social work from Georgia State University. All while raising her beautiful daughter, Aria. After a tumultuous divorce, she found herself feeling broken, battered and bruised. Left to raise three girls on her own. Putting her faith in God, she garnered the strength to rebuild her life. Inspired by her late sister, Tiffany Parker Porter, she began to LIVE OUT LOUD. She’s made it her life’s purpose to ensure that no other person faces hardships and adversity alone.

With a lifetime of service, Akira Pray has been intrenched in advocacy for underserved populations . She’s been on the front lines of criminal justice and prison reform. She recently co-produced 848; a documentary that highlights the disparity of convictions under the kingpin clause and the case of her father Wayne Akbar Pray. Her children’s book “Little Girl Blue” (Alphabet Affirmation for the Blues), will debut Summer 2023. As the Executive Director of Akbar Pray Foundation for Change, in conjunction with The Partnership Against Domestic Violence . She holds annual Valentine’s Day dinners for women in an emergency domestic violence shelter. She also coordinates an annual Thanksgiving dinner for those experiencing homelessness.

As a Life Restoration Coach and soft life seeker, she has developed steps to help women free the shackles of stress, confront unhealed trauma and restore their rightful throne.