Special to the AmNews

On the evening of Jan. 9, a large contingent of relatives, friends, extended family members and supporters from the Islamic community gathered at the City of Brotherly Love’s Kingsessing Recreation Center to acknowledge the 37th anniversary of the physical birth of Sister Samiya Hameed Abdullah, aka Goldii.

Last month, an enormous number of supporters convened at Khadijah Alderman Funeral Services in Philadelphia for two days of memorial services for Abdullah. The youngest of revolutionary writer Mumia Abu-Jamal and Wadiyah’s six children, she made her transition Wednesday, Dec. 17 at age 36 after a long, courageous battle against breast cancer.

At the Dec. 19 viewing, as well as at her janazah (Muslim going home services) the following morning, much mention was made about the optimistic, young Black woman, who was so full of life that many were still in disbelief at the shocking news of her passing.

“She looked asleep, not like at a funeral where the body is embalmed,” explained older sister Atiya. “We don’t do that as Muslims.”

Her family’s emphasis on seeking knowledge, and the impact it had on Abdullah, was also noted.

“Music was her dream, but education was her life … after graduating high school in 1996, Samiya furthered her studies at Montgomery College in Maryland,” revealed Atiya. “Goldii moved back to Philly in 1998, where she then went and graduated from CCP, [then went] straight to Drexel. After completing Drexel with her master’s, she then graduated in June of 2014 with a doctoral degree in mental health counseling.”

Better known as “Goldii” in hip-hop ciphers, she earned a reputation for her competitiveness and socially aware content.

“Music was her life. She talked about meeting Jay Z and Nas because of how conscious he is,” Atiya recalled. “And any background vocals … she always let me get in the booth and do them.”

Her efforts as a proud mother to her two daughters, love for family, as well as her spiritual grounding were recognized as being key ingredients to her happiness.

“She was buried like the Muslimah she is … purified and washed by three Muslim sisters, one being our cousin Fallon,” said Atiya. “She passed away too soon.”

Abdullah is survived by her father, mother, brothers Isa, Jade and Jaleel, sisters Mayana and Atiya, daughters Ayanna, aka Dolly Banna, and Iya, and numerous other relatives and friends whose lives she has influenced.

As is standard procedure for immediate family, Abu-Jamal was not permitted to attend his daughter’s janazah services. Listen to Abu-Jamal’s tribute to Goldii at www.prisonradio.org/media/audio/mumia/samiya-abdullah-makes-transition-446-includes-song-mumia-abu-jamal.