Umar Hakim-Dey
From California Black Media
LOS ANGELES — Umar Hakim-Dey, a pillar of Southern California’s Black and Muslim communities, died Sept. 19 at the age of 55, community leaders announced.
Born and raised in Compton, Hakim-Dey was known for bridging racial, religious and generational divides while advocating for the unhoused and mentoring young people.
Hakim-Dey served as board chair for LA Voice, a multi-faith community organization, and founded Inkerij (pronounced encourage), a social enterprise advising nonprofit and social impact organizations. He spearheaded Humanitarian Day, one of the nation’s largest Muslim-led charity initiatives, emphasizing not just giving but seeing recipients as human beings, according to Arbazz Nizami, co-founder of the Sahaba Initiative.
“One of the first people to really inspire us and motivate us to serve the community,” said Nizami, recalling Hakim-Dey’s mentorship over 15 years. Hakim-Dey converted to Islam at 28 and became a central figure at Masjid Ibadillah in Los Angeles and the ILM Foundation, connecting young people across backgrounds to community service.
Imam Jihad Saafir of Islah LA described him as a rare connector.
“Christian, Jewish, homeless, a person who has membership in the gang, he was able to talk to all of these audiences and engage them,” said Saafir.
Hakim-Dey grew up in a Compton neighborhood divided by gangs, joining the Crips in sixth grade and leaving at 18. He often cited this experience as shaping his understanding of community and loyalty.
He also worked as a “bridge builder” across faiths and racial groups. Andrea Hodos of New Ground recalled Hakim-Dey calmly deescalating a potential fight at a Muslim-Jewish interfaith event, saying, “He has the capacity to listen deeply and to stand firmly on his principles.”
