Frank Meeink Is an American Encore

In the late 1990s, the film American History X won critical acclaim and took Edward Norton’s career to the next level. Many people don’t know, though, that this film is based on a real former skinhead and criminal, Frank Meeink.

As a teenager, Meeink was sort of a spokesperson for the neo-Nazi movement until he went to prison for kidnapping and assault. During his time in incarceration, he interacted with a diverse group of people and gained valuable perspective about his life up to that date. These new relationships behind bars forced Meeink to reexamine his own beliefs, and he truly realized he had been wrong with his prior thoughts and actions.

Meeink was eventually released from prison and now works with the Anti-Defamation League to stop racism throughout our communities. He spends his time educating young boys and girls about the dangers of racism and violence. He has even written a book to detail his journey on leaving that hateful life behind him and becoming a better person in society.

Frank Meeink’s story shows that people can change and become a force for good in this world. He proves each day that the lives of men and women in every situation can be changed and transformed for the good. Frank Meeink is an American Encore.