Adam Shakoor (Image courtesy of WDIV
In a powerful tribute to justice and community service, Detroit’s 36th District Court has been officially renamed ‘Honorable Adam A. Shakoor Judicial Center,’ honoring the late Judge Adam Shakoor. A trailblazing figure in Detroit’s legal landscape, Shakoor’s legacy extends beyond the city, breaking barriers as one of the few Black judges to be honored in this way. His influence continues to resonate, embodying a lasting commitment to equality and fairness in the justice system.
Shakoor’s story includes his pioneering role as the first Muslim judge in the U.S. and his selfless commitment to serving the people of Detroit.
According to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Shakoor is recognized as the first Muslim judge in the United States.
His legacy extends beyond the courtroom, as he played a key role in reshaping Detroit’s legal landscape and served as deputy mayor under Mayor Coleman Young, working on policies for the city’s progressive development for generations to come.
At the renaming ceremony, Shakoor was remembered for his passion for justice and tireless advocacy for civil rights. Detroit City Councilman James Tate, Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Conrad Mallett, Wayne County Treasurer’s Office, Eric R. Sabree, and Judge Aliyah Sabree were among those in attendance who gave remarks.
Shakoor was born in 1947 and grew up on the northeast side of Detroit. After high school, he attended Wayne State University, earning his bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s and a law degree. During his time at Wayne State, Shakoor converted to Islam.
After becoming an attorney, the late Gov. William Milliken appointed him as the Common Pleas Court judge for Wayne County in 1981. He was a dedicated activist who fought for social change and advocated for marginalized communities’ rights. His dedication to justice and fairness was particularly evident during the peak of the civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s.
Shakoor expressed in a prior Michigan Chronicle intervew in 2021, “My activism led me to say that I needed to do some other things. I handled a lot of cases that were, I think, pretty much a strong contributor to my direction in life.”
Shakoor served as the chief judge of the 36th District Court in Detroit for two terms. After retiring from the bench in 1989, he took on the responsibilities of deputy mayor of Detroit under Mayor Coleman A. Young. He dedicated himself to this role until 1993, contributing significantly to the city’s administration during his tenure.
After serving as a judge and deputy mayor, Shakoor returned to private legal practice in 1994. Shakoor then eventually would serve as the personal attorney for civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks from 1995 until her passing. In 2004, he established his law firm, Adam Shakoor & Associates.
L-R, Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, Carl R. Edwards, and Adam Shakoor (Image courtesy of Carl R. Edwards)
Shakoor dedicated over 45 years of his career to teaching business law and African American Studies at Wayne County Community College. Throughout his tenure, he achieved significant milestones by securing landmark legal victories that dismantled barriers for the Muslim community in Michigan.
For more than 40 years, Shakoor received over a hundred proclamations, awards, and honors from federal, state, and local government agencies and community groups. He also served on the boards of various local organizations, including New Detroit, Inc., Boysville, and Operation Get Down.
As the 36th District Court continues to serve the city, it will do so under the guiding spirit of Adam Shakoor’s legacy, ensuring that his influence continues to shape the court’s future.
His wife, Gail Lawrence-Shakoor, emphasized the importance of this renaming, as there aren’t many other courthouses with Black judges’ names on them.
“The renaming of the 36th District Court is a big deal and a testament to Adam’s significant achievements and dedication to Detroit,” Lawrence-Shakoor said.
Recently, another courthouse was renamed in Michigan. Kalamazoo renamed its Justice Center after the late Charles A. Pratt, the city’s first Black judge. Pratt started serving as a judge in Kalamazoo County in 1969 and is known for his unwavering commitment to justice, helping the community, and mentoring others. Pratt passed in 1989.
Shakoor and Pratt’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who are following in thier footsteps for generations to come.
About Post Author
