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  Passing of El-Hajj Honorable Adam A. Shakoor


WEST BLOOMFIELD - It is with profound sadness that the family of El-Hajj Honorable Adam A. Shakoor announces his sudden passing on Sunday, March 20th at the age of 74.

Adam A. Shakoor was a native Detroiter. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in Educational Sociology from Wayne State University He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University Law School. He was an activist for social change especially during the tumultuous civil rights movements of the 1960’s and 70’s.

After graduation from law school, Shakoor began practicing law and standing up for the rights of others with a passion for justice and fairness. In 1981, Shakoor was appointed as a judge of the Common Pleas Court for Wayne County by then Governor William Milliken, making him the first Muslim judge in both the United States and Canada. Shakoor served for two terms as Chief Judge of the 36th District Court as a result of election by his fellow judges. The Honorable Adam A. Shakoor later served as Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Detroit, under the late Mayor Coleman A. Young. Shakoor became known as Detroit’s “Crime Czar” for coordination of city, state, and federal agencies to fight existing drug problems; development of exemplary crime-fighting activities that focused on treatment, bootcamps and job skills training for addicts; and implementation of policies that led to the forfeiture of assets seized from drug dealers by Detroit police.

Adam A. Shakoor was a long-time friend of the late civil rights activist, Mrs. Rosa L. Parks, and often expressed that he was honored to have served as her attorney and trustee. He was a professor of Business Law and African American Studies at Wayne County Community College District for over 45 years while he worked was an attorney, judge, and deputy mayor. Shakoor loved teaching and enjoyed interaction with students. He served as a mentor and a role model as he shared his experiences and knowledge in the classroom. He challenged his students to make a difference in the lives of others. Shakoor served as a public administrator, facilitator, mediator, receiver, and special master for the State of Michigan until the time of his death.

Shakoor was a devout Muslim and family man. He made Hajj, his pilgrimage to Mecca, in 1981. He won several landmark decisions on behalf of the Muslim community. He cherished his family and instilled in them his faith in God and a strong work ethic. Shakoor’s presence and leadership will be truly missed by his family and friends. “Judge Shakoor was not only a leader in Metro Detroit for African Americans and Muslims of varying ethnicities pertaining to civil rights but was also a shining example of moral excellence”, said CAIR-MI Executive Director, Dawud Walid.

The Honorable Adam A. Shakoor leaves behind his wife, Gail Lawrence-Shakoor and six adult children. Two of his children preceded him in death. His family will not only remember how their beloved husband and father gave deference to African Americans and others who fought for justice long before him, but they pledge to uphold his legacy of equality and justice. He advised them that activism is required until the color barriers and other inequities are totally removed. Family members reflect on one of their many conversations with their father in which he stated, “The struggle continues. I still have more to do as long as God gives me life. I will serve and do what I have the capacity to do to always help others.” In honor of his memory, the family asks that his legacy of fighting for equality, justice, and fairness is not forgotten and that we all continue to make our contributions until barriers are totally removed.”

Family releases arrangements details regarding services for the passing of The Hon. Adam A. Shakoor

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Swanson Funeral Home Eastside Chapel, located at 806 E. Grand Blvd Detroit, 48207.

Home Going will be Saturday, April 2. 2022, beginning with Family Hour at 10:00 a.m. and Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. and will be held at Fellowship Chapel 7707 West Outer Drive Detroit, Michigan.

 

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