Abdulalim A. Shabazz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abdulalim Abdullah Shabazz
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Abdulalim Shabazz in 1949
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| Born | May 22, 1927 |
| Died | June 25, 2014 (aged 87) |
| Alma mater | Lincoln University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cornell University |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematician |
| Doctoral advisor | Mark Kac |
Abdulalim Abdullah Shabazz (born May 22, 1927 – died June 25, 2014) was an African American professor of Mathematics. He was known for being an amazing teacher and mentor. He received special awards for helping many students succeed in math and science. One of these was the National Mentor Award, given to him by President of the United States Bill Clinton in 2000.
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About Abdulalim Abdullah Shabazz
Abdulalim Shabazz was born Lonnie Cross in Bessemer, Alabama. He became a very important mathematician and educator. His life showed how dedication to learning and teaching can make a big difference.
Early Life and Education
Shabazz loved learning from a young age. In 1949, he earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts. This degree was in both chemistry and mathematics from Lincoln University. He continued his studies, earning a Master of Science in Mathematics in 1951. He got this degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He then went on to earn his highest degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). He received his Ph.D. in 1955 from Cornell University. His special area of study was mathematical analysis. His Ph.D. paper, called a dissertation, was about a complex math topic.
A Dedicated Teacher
After finishing his education, Dr. Shabazz began his teaching career. In 1956, he became an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Tuskegee Institute. He quickly showed his talent for teaching.
From 1957 to 1963, he worked at Clark Atlanta University. There, he became the chairman and an Associate Professor of Mathematics. He helped many students, including one named David Lee Hunter.
Dr. Shabazz also taught in different places around the world. From 1975 to 1986, he taught in cities like Chicago and Detroit. He also taught in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. During this time, he converted to orthodox Islam.
In 1986, Dr. Shabazz returned to Clark Atlanta University. He served as the chairman of the math department from 1990 to 1995. Later, from 1998 to 2000, he was the Chairman of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department at Lincoln University.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Shabazz received many awards for his outstanding work. These awards recognized his efforts to help more people get into science and engineering. He especially focused on helping women, minorities, and people with disabilities.
In 1992, the American Association for the Advancement of Science gave him their "Mentor Award." This award celebrated his leadership in encouraging diverse students. The National Association of Mathematicians also gave him a Distinguished Service Award. This was for his many years of excellent teaching and mentoring.
In September 2000, President Clinton honored Dr. Shabazz. He received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. In 2001, the Association of African American Educators gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. This was for his great work with African Americans in mathematics.
Dr. Shabazz continued to teach and inspire. He was a professor and held a special endowed chair in mathematics at Grambling State University. He passed away on June 25, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring young minds.
