Detroit activist Malik Shabazz hospitalized again after June heart attack

Detroit activist Malik Shabazz is back in the hospital after having a heart attack in June.

Shabazz, head of New Black Panther Nation/Marcus Garvey Movement, was moved from a rehabilitation facility back to a hospital due to undiagnosed medical concerns, according to Sam Riddle, Shabazz family spokesperson. 

Shabazz is in stable condition, Riddle said. Prior to his rehabilitation treatment in October, Shabazz was on a respirator and received a temporary, then permanent, heart pump implant. He dealt with an infection then saw improvements after the heart attack, Riddle added.

“The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for community-wide support and prayers for Shabazz and is deeply appreciative of the care provided for Minister Shabazz,” according to a statement.

Several community members in June held a vigil outside of Henry Ford Hospital for the longtime Detroit activist, who was on life support after his heart attack, expressing hope that he would heal and spoke of his past work of battling for justice.

Shabazz is known for fighting against crime and violence in Detroit, demanding justice for victims of gun violence, along with raising awareness of cold cases and shutting down drug houses.

Among those was Rev. W.J. Rideout III, who said that in the 1980s, the owner of a supermarket on Chene Street beat a customer to death and it was Shabazz who came into his neighborhood to stand against the violence. Shabazz’s wife, Akilah Redmond, said at the vigil that Shabazz’s work is done with love for Detroit and for the people.

More: Community holds vigil for longtime Detroit activist Malik Shabazz after heart attack

Free Press reporter Andrea Sahouri contributed to this story.

Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her: @DanaAfana