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 we honored two women with a Dr. Betty Shabazz Recognition Award. Our honorees were Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, New York City, 11th District and Tayyibah Taylor Founder & Publisher, Azizah Magazine. This year's recipient is Ameenah Matthews, Violence Interrupter & Community Activist for Peace Building and Social Change

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 Faiza N. Ali, Community Activist, Kayhan Irani, Artist and Activist, Artivista and Aliya P. Latif, Research Associate, Islamic Center of New York University. This year's honorees are Potri Ranka Manis Queano Nur, Founder, Artist Director and Storyteller, Kinding Sindaw and Rinku Sen, President and Executive Director of the Applied Research Center (ARC) and publisher of Colorlines.com.;

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