Alvin Anderson Parson, son of the late Alvin Parson and Mary Monger, was born on July 4, 1947, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. In 1961, he joined the Nation of Islam. Alvin known to all as “Al” received his education at Douglas High school in Baltimore City. While in school, Al excelled in wrestling as well as cross country.
Al made numerous friends wherever he went. In 1968 he developed his interest in martial art under the guidance of Master Riley Hawkins. The friend he met at the Sharpe Street Dojo, notably known as the “Avenger,” extended into a brotherly bond that collectively made a positive impact on more than 5,000 youngsters in the inner-city.
Al had a love for two things: karate and teaching young people. Al began teaching karate at the Department of Recreation in Baltimore City and later Druid Hill YMCA and this continued throughout the years at various locations throughout the city .
Later in life he cultivated his passion for music which positioned him to become one of Baltimore’s best deejays.
Al departed suddenly on Jan. 1, 2011. He is preceded in death by his son Alvin Anderson, Jr. Al leaves to cherish his memory: his loving children Nena A. Parson-McLeod, Lamar Z. Haskins, Mia J. Parson and Rico Parson; six grandchildren Lamar, Sh`mar and Dylan Askin ; Alvin A. Parson III, Miauna Parson and G`mera Lanae Butler.