Paki Mahdee (Michael Travis) was born September 1, 1952 at the St. Louis County Hospital in Clayton, to the union of John and Pearl Lee Travis. He was the twelfth of thirteen children. His mother, father and several siblings have preceded him in death. Much of his early life was spent growing up in the Pruitt Igoe Housing Complex. He was a member of the Vashon High School State Basketball Champions in 1971.
Upon graduating from Vashon, Paki attended Webster University for a year. His employment included working at Krey Packing House, Walbridge Community Center and working a number of years in the St. Louis City Circuit Clerk’s office under the administration of Mavis Thompson.
Paki’s talent as an entrepreneur/salesman led him to invest in the Power Learning System which led to the opening of Snoodles Restaurant at New Halls Ferry and Interstate 270. He was also an investor in the Corbin’s Marinating Sauce Company and a top salesman for the African News World and other African-centered products.
Paki’s activism began with his support of the political candidacy of Virvus Jones for alderman in the late 1970s. In 1983, he became involved in the highly publicized movement for Marilyn Banks, a victim of a police shooting by Joseph Ferrario. This led to his meeting his longtime friend and comrade, Zaki Baruti (Lavoy Reed). When Zaki became a candidate for governor in 1984, 1988 and 2000, Paki was an integral part of the campaign.
In 1987, Paki adopted his cultural name (Paki Mahdee), which meant 12th child and witness.
On April 4, 1989, Paki co-founded his beloved Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO). He worked diligently in various political campaigns, was an outspoken anti-war advocate, an international humanitarian and a critic of any injustice against his people.
He was a member/supporter of the New Generation Solidarity Consumers Union, the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression, and the Missouri Green Party. He attended the Million Man March in 1995 and the Millions More Movement in 2005.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory three sisters and three brothers, June (Joe), Patricia (Lester), Sandra, Standley (Lois), Leon (Charlene), Randy; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, as well as his UAPO family friends.
