In Memory Of Brother Benjamin Shabazz

Brother Benjamin Shabazz, A pillar, a leader, and walking institution in our community, was born September 21, 1946 in Camden NJ, aka South Jersey/North Philly. His birth name was Benjamin Cleveland Smith. He was named after his father who was an easy-going man who persevered through tough times.

Brother Benjamin served in the United States Armed Forces in the early 70’s doing a tour in the Vietnam War earning not 1, not 2, but 3 Purple Hearts. After an honorable discharge from his military service he settled in Seattle, Washington where he married his first wife, Mary Alice Jimerson and had three children, Keionna Smith, Emijah Smith, and Benjamin Smith. He later married Audrey Williams and had a fourth child, Jameel Shabazz. His last marriage was to Hajara Rahim.

Brother Benjamin joined the Nation of Islam after hearing the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammed in the early 70’s and made the transition to Al-Islam Proper in 1975 under the leadership of Imam WD Muhammed. One of his inspirations in becoming a Muslim was his favorite artist James Brown with songs like “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” He was also inspired by the heavyweight champion Muhammed Ali’s commitment and dedication to Black liberation and freedom. He was a recipient of the Muslim Man of the Year Award at the national Muslim journal awards banquet along with other recipients, including Muhammed Ali, Bernard Hopkins, and other major influencers.

Brother Benjamin became an Imam serving the community for over 30 years. He represented the community of Imam WD Muhammed, dedicating his entire life to the fulfillment of freedom, justice and equality. He found that the best way to accomplish this goal was to embody the essence of Al-Islam. His inspirational Khutbas were attended by the Greater Seattle Muslim community. Brother Benjamin was an unwavering Muslim ally to Jewish and Christian communities, organizing numerous interfaith programs and dialogues establishing a bridge for understanding and working together for one common goal. He was respected by local, state, and national elected officials, giving the opening prayers at the Washington State Capital in Olympia. In honor of Brother Benjamin’s life, the City of Seattle proclaims March 8th as Imam Benjamin Shabazz Day for his service to the community and to the cause of racial and economic justice, especially the African American community.

Brother Benjamin was the first Imam to give Friday prayers, called Jumah, at the Islamic School of Seattle where he was a beloved teacher and respected elder for the majority the school’s 32 year-existence. As an African American man this was a very pivotal experience in the progression of the religion and broader Muslim community to see a Black man in the position of esteemed leadership. He was inspired by Bilal, an African man, who was voted into leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammed, yet humbly declined. He was a close friend and support to Islamic School of Seattle founders Drs. Ann and Mohammad El-Moslimany. For more than a decade he served as a key leader on the Islamic School of Seattle Board of Directors restructuring the school into the progressive Cherry Street Mosque, which continues to this day in the Central District. Brother Benjamin was a shining example of a compassionate, strong, Black, social justice warrior for hundreds of Muslim students and community members.

Brother Benjamin was a critical contributor to the People’s Institute Organizing network both locally and nationally for more than 25 years forming relationships with Ron Chisom, Dr. Kimberley Richards, and many organizers in the network. Brother Benjamin experienced the Maafa Commemoration at the People’s Institute Advanced Training on the shores of the Gulf in Waveland, Mississippi. He later joined organizers to bring the experience to Seattle in 2001 and supporting the commemoration every year. 

Brother Benjamin moved with dignity and respect. He was serious about Black Power and Black Excellence. He participated in actions to hold Seattle Public Schools accountable for educating Black students and was active in work to address the school-to-prison pipeline long before it was a catch phrase. He served on multiple policy boards and community groups, such as the Men of the Middle Passage, devoted to social justice. Brother Benjamin and Brother Na’eem Shareef founded the community issues group where they put in decades of volunteer work equaling thousands of hours, recording and airing TV shows, bringing to the people a side of the media that is not popularized, dealing with current events affecting the community.

Brother Benjamin loved his children. He was a father, grandfather and great grandfather, uncle, brother, friend and mentor. He has 4 children (Keionna Smith, Emijah Smith, Benjamin Smith and Jameel Shabazz). He has 13 grandchildren (Nadia Cobb, Le’Jayah Washington, Jamari Smith, Jasmine Smith, Iman Shabazz, Jallah Shabazz, Dajean Smith, Saleemah Shabazz, Marcel J. Jones, Tariq Shabazz, DeKen Howze, Marcel M. Jones, and Bijon Smith), along with 1 great granddaughter, Malaika Ashe Overall. Countless nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and of course his beloved community, which he considered his family.

Brother Benjamin was a practical down to earth kind of man. You could find him playing basketball at your local YMCA or holding a conversation with an employee at your local PCC grocery store. He brought joy to all who entered his presence. He embodied selflessness. Concerning himself with your well-being, how you can be an asset to the greater good, and always encouraging others to do what’s right.

Brother Benjamin was a man who believed in forward progress no matter the circumstance. He was always on the move. In his final moments he asked, “When can I get up and walk around?“ This was a testament to one of his favorite lyrics from James brown, “I’d rather die on my feet, then be living on my knees”!

His time on this earth ended on Thursday, March 4, 2021. He was comfortable and resting. The last two things he heard were readings from the Quran and the call to prayer. He left us with many words of inspiration and through him we all know how to care, how to share what God has given us, and how to fight for what’s right.

As we celebrate his life hold up your right pointer finger (representing one God) and say with Brother Benjamin:

• “Say It Loud!, I’M BLACK AND I’M PROUD!”
• “I don’t want nobody giving me nothing, open up the door and I’ll get it myself!” 
• “Get up off of that thang, and dance till you feel better! Get up off of that thang!”
• “I feel good, I knew that I would!”
• ” La-illaha-illalah, Muhammedun Rasullullah, I openly bear witness there is no God except Allah and I open the bear witness that  Mohammed is a servant and his messenger, ahad, one God and as-salaam-alaikum , May the peace and blessings of almighty God/Allah be with you all.

Brother Benjamin’s physical presence will be missed, yet his seeds of righteousness and passion for justice will live forever.

Peace and Blessings!!

View City of Seattle Proclamation for Brother Benjamin Shabazz here.