Umar Hakim-Dey, 55, Community Leader and Advocate for Justice

Umar Hakim-Dey, a respected leader in Southern California's Black and Muslim communities, passed away Friday at the age of 55. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born and raised in Compton, Hakim-Dey's early years were shaped by the challenges of a neighborhood divided by gang rivalries. Raised by his mother, who was of Guyanese and Episcopalian background, he experienced both hardship and resilience. Though he briefly joined the Crips as a youth, by adulthood, he had chosen a new path, reflecting later that his early experiences taught him about the importance of community, loyalty, and the need for constructive outlets for belonging.

At 28, Hakim-Dey embraced Islam, a pivotal moment that profoundly deepened his spiritual outlook and sense of responsibility to serve others. He became a student of Imam Saadiq Saafir of Masjid Ibadillah in South Los Angeles, and over time, assumed leadership of ILM Foundation, where he dedicated himself to uplifting youth and marginalized communities. Through his work, he transformed the organization into a hub of service, education, and community engagement, connecting people from diverse backgrounds to a life of purpose and giving.

Hakim-Dey became widely recognized as the driving force behind Humanitarian Day, one of the nation's largest Muslim-led charitable initiatives. Each Ramadan, Humanitarian Day mobilized volunteers to assemble and distribute care packages, food, and health services to the unhoused population in Los Angeles and beyond. For Hakim-Dey, this work was never just about charity; it was about restoring dignity and building solidarity across lines of class, race, and faith.

In addition to his work with ILM Foundation, Hakim-Dey founded Inkerij, a social enterprise that advised nonprofits and civic organizations on social impact. Through Inkerij, he sought to blend entrepreneurship with service, equipping community institutions with tools for sustainable change. He also served as board chair of LA Voice, a multi-faith coalition that addressed systemic injustices through policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, and civic engagement.

In 2020, Hakim-Dey extended his leadership to the national stage through his work with the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC). At MPAC, he guided the launch of the African American Muslim Insight Council, an initiative formed during the twin crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide protests for racial justice. Under his leadership, the Council became a space for amplifying the voices of African American Muslims, addressing urgent community needs, and charting long-term strategies for empowerment through civic participation and dialogue. His emphasis on self-empowerment-helping individuals recognize their own agency to create change-was a theme that ran throughout his career.

Hakim-Dey's legacy also includes work on criminal justice reform, interfaith collaboration, and programs supporting individuals returning from incarceration. He worked tirelessly to advance affordable housing, immigrant rights, and the dignity of the unhoused. He believed that service was a form of worship and that true leadership meant bridging divides and creating pathways for others to thrive.

Umar Hakim-Dey's sudden passing leaves a deep void in the communities he served. Yet his life stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and a steadfast commitment to justice. His vision endures in the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the movements he helped to build.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un - To God we belong, and to Him we return.