Rabia Abdul-Aziz
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Rabia's obituary
Rabia Abdul-Aziz
(nee Leona Linda Samuels)
May 25, 1947 – October 24, 2025
Rabia Abdul-Aziz of Coram, NY, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born in New York, NY, on May 25, 1947, to Simon and Zuline Samuels, Rabia—whose birth name was Leona Linda Samuels—spent her early years in Medford, NY, graduating from Longwood High School in 1965. She earned her degree in African American Studies from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and later received her master’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Rabia was accepted into the prestigious Fulbright Program, which took her to Africa to deepen her understanding of her ancestral heritage. Upon returning, she married her former husband, Ihsan Aziz, embraced Islam, and began a lifelong journey of education, activism, and service.
She was a pioneering educator at Temple University, where she played a key role in establishing the African American Studies program. Rabia began her family in Cleveland, Ohio, and later returned to Gordon Heights, NY, where she raised six children and continued her commitment to community service.
Her professional career was marked by leadership and compassion:
• Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Minority AIDS Coalition (2009–2015)
• Chief Operating Officer, Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk (1992–2004)
• Director of Education, Urban League of Long Island (1988–1992)
• Financial Services Representative, Primerica (1995–2025)
• Vice Chair, Brookhaven Democratic Committee
Rabia was deeply involved in public health advocacy, working tirelessly to support AIDS awareness, syringe exchange programs, and Narcan overdose prevention efforts. Her work saved lives and uplifted communities across Long Island.
She received numerous awards for her tireless advocacy and selfless contributions to the communities of Gordon Heights, Brookhaven, and beyond. Rabia was a passionate activist, educator, financial advocate, and devoted mother. She was also a gifted historian with great intellect and storytelling ability, known for her grace, wisdom, and unwavering passion for helping others.
She was preceded in death by her former husband Ihsan Aziz, her parents Simon and Zuline Samuels, and her sister Yvonne Adams.
Rabia is survived by her six children: Jameelah Aziz, Mustafa Aziz, Sam’aan Aziz, Naimah Aziz, Malikah Aziz-Smith, and Zaid Aziz; her grandchildren: Amira Smith, Ali Aziz-Barry, and Aliyah Smith; her niece Khadijah Adams and nephew Timothy Adams Jr.; her son-in-law Ronald Smith and daughter-in-law Stefanie Anderson; her sisters-in-law Clare Stevenson and Margaret Epps; her brothers-in-law Antone Stevenson and Mervin Epps; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends.
Rabia will be remembered for her brilliance, strength, and unwavering dedication to justice, education, public health, financial empowerment, and most importantly, family.
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