Abdul Salaam – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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Dr. Abdul Salaam, was born Leo McCallum, on August 18, 1929 to Roosevelt and Katie McCallum in Newark NJ. He graduated South Side high school Newark, NJ in 1947 and served as a Dental Lab technician in the army for 18 months. After discharge he attended and graduated from New York University in 1952. While attending Columbia School of Dentistry, he met and married Edwina Marshall in 1954 and graduated with his D.D.S. in 1956.
Leo started his dental practice in 1956 at 118 Johnson Ave, Newark, New Jersey. In 1958 the couple accepted the teachings of the Nation of Islam and helped open the first temple in Newark, New Jersey, where he served as FOI Captain and asst. minister, alongside his wife who was appointed secretary of Temple #25 by Elijah Muhammad. Their work continued and he became the Nation’s first president. In 1959, Leo started “Specialty Promotions, Inc.” importing and exporting African wood carvings, coffee and Islamic literature. In 1971, upon request of Elijah Muhammad, the Leader of the Nation of Islam, the couple relocated to Chicago, IL where he served as personal dentist for Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X and Louis Farrakhan. He went on to established a flourishing dental practice and successful import/export business. In 1972, the couple received their Muslim names of Abdul and Khadijah Salaam, and completed Hajj in the late 70’s. Abdul continued to practice for 40 years until his retirement in 2010. In 2016, he received a proclamation from Mayor Baraja and the city of Newark to honor his service to the community.
Dr. Abdul Salaam spent his last years in retirement with his family in Huntsville, AL until he was called to Allah on June 21, 2018. He is pre-ceded in death by his mother and father. He leaves to cherish his memories his brother James Earl (Winnie) McCallum, wife Khadijah, their 5 children, Sharonda (Rabb-deceased) Ali-Khan, Robert Silvera, Valerie (Moe) Best, Darwin (Valorita) Salaam, Abdul (Katrina) Salaam II, Fitrah Muhammad (cherished god-daughter). Grandchildren, Zakiyyah Salaam, Imam Ali Salaam, Huran Salaam (Patricia), Jamal Salaam, Khadijah Salaam, Monica (Fred) Curry, Fatima Crawford, Maurice Best, Abdul Mumin Salaam, Darwin Salaam II, Jamillah Salaam, Dontae Salaam, Chris Salaam, Keisha (Robert) Hamilton, Amir Salaam, Naeem Salaam, Aaliyah Salaam, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

SERVICES
Graveside ServiceMonday, June 25, 2018
1:00 PM

Hampton Cove Funeral Home
6262 Highway 431 S
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama 35763
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