Detroit community activist Malik Shabazz back in hospital
Myesha JohnsonA Detroit community activist is hospitalized again after a massive heart attack in June that led to respiration and rehabilitation needs.
Malik Shabazz, a minister and leader of the New Black Panther Nation/Marcus Garvey Movement, has been moved from a rehabilitation facility back to a hospital due to undiagnosed medical concerns, Shabazz Family spokesman Sam Riddle said in an email.
Shabazz is in stable condition, Riddle said.
Shabazz collapsed after a massive heart attack June 26 as he was preparing to accept the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award that's given annually to people with more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service.
Prior to rehabilitation treatment in October, Shabazz had been on a respirator, received a temporary then permanent heart pump implant and subsequently battled an infection.
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"The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for community wide support and prayers for Shabazz and is deeply appreciative of the care provided Minister Shabazz," Riddle said.
Over 39 years, he has organized citizen patrols, passed out flyers about unsolved crimes and missing persons, led protests of drug houses and co-founded the Detroit 300 patrol group in 2010, after a series of home invasions and sexual assaults of senior citizens.
During protests, Shabazz often brings information about where poor families can get food and clothing, or how to vote. Shabazz is known for protesting outside crack houses and confronting store owners who sell subpar merchandise or treat customers with disrespect.
Police have credited Shabazz with helping solve several crimes, including the 2021 killing of 43-year-old Denez Dupree, who was fatally shot while panhandling outside a Clark gas station on the city's west side.
Police officials said Shabazz prompted someone to phone in a tip that led to the arrest and conviction of Christopher Williams, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last year and is serving a 15- to 30-year prison sentence.
mjohnson@detroitnews.com