Photo Courtesy of Twitter
The daughter of a prominent civil rights activist, Malcolm X, was found dead in her Brooklyn home on Monday.
Malikah Shabazz, 56, was discovered by her daughter at her East 28th Street home a little after 4 p.m., according to PIX 11. Police do not suspect foul play and are not looking for a suspect.
Commissioner Dermot Shea told the news outlet that the woman had been sick for an extended time.
“At this point in time, working with other authorities, the medical examiner, and speaking to the family, she had been ill for a period of time,” he said. “And at this point, nothing appears suspicious.”
PIX 11 reported that relatives told emergency responders that Shabazz may have suffered from food poisoning early Monday.
Shabazz and her twin sister, Malaak, were the youngest children of el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz and Betty Shabazz’s six daughters. They were born seven months after their father was assassinated. Her other siblings are Qubilah, Attallah, Gamilah and Ilyasah.
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., wrote a touching post on Twitter and added a photo of now-deceased Betty holding the twins, “I’m deeply saddened by the death of #MalikahShabazz. My heart goes out to her family, the descendants of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X.”
“Dr. Shabazz was pregnant with Malikah and her twin sister, Malaak, when Brother Malcolm was assassinated,” King continued.
“Be at peace, Malikah.”
Sleep in peace, Malikah. Our condolences to the family.