Humza Al-Hafeez

Humza al-Hafeez (born Leonard Ernest Weir, February 28, 1931 – November 27, 2015,^[1] and formerly known as Leonard 12X Weir) was an Islamic minister, author, and social activist most notably recognized as being the first Black Muslim NYPD officer whose rise to prominence came in the late 1950s when he Founded and served as President of the National Society of Afro-American Policemen,^[2] an organization that sought to: improve work conditions for Black law enforcement officers; expand employment opportunities;^[3] and strengthen relationships between the NYPD^[4] and members of the Black^[5] and Muslim^[6] communities. Over the course of Minister al-Hafeez's career, he received countless commendations and awards, including citations for outstanding community service.^[7]

Early History

Born in Harlem, New York to Asa Moss Weir, a West Indian immigrant (Jamaica, West Indies) and Rosa May Danielson of mixed Caribbean ancestry (Dominican Republic and St. Croix, Virgin Islands), young "Leonard" attended NYC public schools where he demonstrated an early aptitude for history and politics. The demands of his young life forced him to quit high school in his early years of enrollment. Yet, as a drop-out, his innate proclivity for service was fueled amidst an environment that was often biased against minority youth. Even so, he wanted to make a difference. In 1957, he took the City of New York Police Exam and passed. However, to qualify for appointment, a High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma was required. He arranged to take the GED examination which took place in Manhattan, on a Saturday, at Washington Irving High School. He earned a passing score, was awarded a diploma, and entered the New York Police Department in February 1959 where he sought to improve work conditions for: Black uniformed officers,^[8] and the community at large.^[9] Over the course of his employment, he worked as a Special Investigator (Undercover) for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and as Special Investigator for the Knapp Commission where he investigated corruption in the New York Police Department.^[10][11]

In the early 1970s, he joined the The Nation of Islam, Temple #7, headquartered in Harlem. In 1975, he changed his name to Humza al-Hafeez. His first book, Some Things to Think About, is based on his experiences coming of age during the 1940s and 50s, his acceptance of Islam, and his advocacy as a law enforcement officer in the 1970s.^[12]

Public Service

As a literary activist and social entrepreneur, Minister al-Hafeez worked in the publishing industry and also served as Editor-in-Chief of Your Muhammad Speaks Newspaper. Within his lifetime, he lectured at many universities and institutes of learning around the country, including: New York University, Princeton University, Pace College, University of Chicago, Thomas Jefferson High School, Wallkill Correctional Facility, Green Haven Correctional Facility, Fishkill Correctional Facility, Arthur Kill Correctional Facility, United States Penitentiary at: Ray Brook, New York, Terre Harute, Indiana, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.^[13]

Retirement

Following a long history of advocacy for disenfranchised communities, Minister al-Hafeez's employment with the New York City Police Department came to an end in March 1976.^[14][15] But his legacy as "a good cop" continued well past his prime, spurring a new generation of leaders to cite his example as a model for success while crediting his groundbreaking work as the underpinnings of similar groups across the nation.^[16]

Death

Min. Humza Al-Hafeez died on November 27, 2015 at his home in Brooklyn, New York at the age of 84. Min. Humza Al-Hafeez has one deceased son, Habib Al-Zaid. He is survived by five sons, Rasul Hafeez, Bismillah Abdul-Hafeez, Yuhanna Hafeez, Larry Weir, Don Ibn Hafeez, and three daughters, Rosemarie Weir, Mariama Tene Williams, and Jackye Maxey.

Funeral

Min. Humza Al-Hafeez's funeral service was held at Masjid Abdul Muhsi Khalifah, aka Muhammad Temple #7C in Brooklyn, New York, on the morning of December 3, 2015. Several hundred of Min. Humza Al-Hafeez's family and friends gathered to pay respects. Imam Adib Rashid, Resident Imam, officiated the service. A special tribute was written and performed by literary artist, Dr. Deatema L. Abdul-Latif."^[17][18]

Distant Relative

Warren Weir, Jamaican Medalist, London 2012 Olympics.

Featured In

Abel, Roger L. (2006). The Black Shields, pg. 418, AuthorHouse, Bloomington, Indiana, ISBN 1420844598.

Armstrong, Michael F. (2012). They Wished They Were Honest: the Knapp Commission and New York City Police Corruption, New York: Columbia University Press, ISBN 9780231153546.

Darien, Andrew T. (2013). Becoming New York's Finest: Race, Gender, and Integration of the NYPD, 1935-1980. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 9781137321930.

Thompson, Cordell S. (1970, February 26). Don’t Criticize the Police Department, Jet Magazine, pg. 17.

References