Abdulalim Shabazz, a Distinguish Professor of Mathematics at Grambling State University in Louisiana, died on June 25 at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center. He was 87 years old.
Shabazz was born Lonnie Cross in Bessemer, Alabama. He was a graduate of The Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and earned a master’s degree at MIT, and a Ph.D. in mathematical analysis from Cornell University.
Dr. Shabazz’s first academic appointment was an assistant professor of mathematics at Tuskegee University. He later chaired the mathematics department at what is now Clark Atlanta University. From 1998 until 2000, Shabazz was chairman of the mathematics and computer science department at The Lincoln University. In September 2000, President Clinton presented Dr. Shabazz with a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
Dr. Shabazz joined the faculty at Grambling State University in 2007. Grambling President Frank Pogue, who visited the esteemed mathematician in the hospital before his death, stated, “Dr. Shabazz represented the kind of excellence Grambling is known for, and for the university it means a great deal that he was with us.”
A spiritual father to me!
One of the greatest men I had the fortune to spend quality time and travel with!
Master Teacher!
RIP.
Dr. Shabazz was one of the great and ardent students of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He was one of the most disciplined men that I have ever had an opportunity to meet. Moreover, my very first trip to Mecca was under his tutelage and guidance. From Mecca, we visited Kemet, Ethiopia, Senegal, Guinea, Morocco, Spain, and we’re planning a trip to Cuba, when he transitioned.
Dr. Shabazz taught me how to become a better student of the HEM. Although, he is an ancestors his spirit will forever be present among the righteous. May Allah be pleased with hm.
Allah-U-Akbar