About the Memorial Lecture and Award Ceremony

The simplicity of greatness often eludes us. The simple phrase, “Find the good and praise it,” handed down to Dr. Betty Shabazz from her mother, became the cornerstone of a life lived powerfully, honorably, sincerely, and provided a winning formula that move her through all of life’s challenges.

Since 2002, Women In Islam, Inc. has been celebrating the example and legacy of Dr. Betty Shabazz annually in our Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial Lecture and Award Ceremony. We take this opportunity to recognize other women, of all backgrounds and faiths, who demonstrate their unwavering and courageous dedication to helping others.

In 2002, the first Dr. Betty Shabazz Recognition Award was given to Kadiatou Diallo, Ahmadou Diallo’s mother, and was presented by Ilyasah Shabazz, one of the daughters of Hajj Malik Shabazz (Malcolm X). The second year’s honoree was Ms. Ruby Dee, world-renowned actress, playwright, civil rights and anti-war activist, and long-time friend and supporter of the Shabazz family. Ms. Diallo, accompanied by the Shabazz daughters, presented the award to Ms. Dee. Last year’s honoree was Dr. Amina Cloud, senior scholar on Islam in America and Professor of Religious Studies at DePaul University. This year’s recipient is Azizah Al-Hibri, founder and president of KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights.

In 2004, we also added two Compass Awards to the ceremony. These awards are given to women who, through their exceptional dedication, mark as well as forge a clear direction for our communities. Last year’s recipients were holistic health practitioner Sr. Rasheedah Abdul Hakeem and journalist Adrienne Hayward James. This year’s recipients are filmmaker Kathleen Foster and Robina Niaz, Founder & Executive Director of Turning Point for Women and Children . 

We welcome you to join us in celebrating the legacy of Dr. Betty and living examples of powerful and dedicated women.