DETROIT – A Detroit community leader who has spent decades fighting for safer streets is now the one who needs help.
Friends and supporters gathered at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Saturday for a fundraiser to help Minister Malik Shabazz cover his medical expenses after a series of health challenges.
Shabazz has been a longtime activist, advocating for justice and equality in Detroit for more than 40 years.
In June 2023, Shabazz suffered a massive heart attack and has faced other health scares since then.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the fundraiser is a small way to give back to someone who has given so much to the city.
“Whenever you call me, I’m showing up,” he said. “The city of Detroit, we owe a debt of gratitude just for keeping us safe. We can’t do it alone as a police agency, and we have never had to do it alone because Malik always stood with us.”
Shabazz said he is grateful for the community’s support.
“We have been out here now 43 years, a long, long time, and it’s an honor to be able to serve the community and to serve God through trying to uplift fallen humanity,” he said.
If you couldn’t make it to the event, you can still help by donating to Peace in the Streets Inc. at 17301 Livernois, Suite 405, Detroit, Michigan 48221.