On The Square – Episode 19 - Leave a Blueprint: Remembering Brother Umar Hakim-Dey

In this episode of On The Square, former Sapelo Square executive director Latasha Rouseau spoke with Brother Umar Hakim-Dey, Compton, California native and founder of the groundbreaking community organization INKERIJ, about his journey to Islam, how becoming Muslim impacted his life and work, offered practical advice on how to sustain organizational work and activism through personal and professional challenges, and discussed the importance of leaving a good legacy. Hakim-Dey passed away while this episode was in production. Hakim-Dey served over 10 years as director for a faith-based organization where he achieved grassroots accomplishments in community service. He later founded and led INKERIJ Foundation, where he shifted his focus to lead an organization focused on community building. Through INKERIJ, Umar combined both business and community service work into a social entrepreneurial model helping the community build its power to combat social ills post pandemic.