Dear Eagle Community:
I am saddened to share news of the loss of a staff member at North Carolina Central University. Mr. Sa’id Abdul-Salaam served NCCU as one of our university operators in the Office of Communications and Marketing for more than 15 years and passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021. Sa’id was also an Eagle alumnus, having earned his degree in biology in 1959. Additionally, he played on the men’s basketball team.
After serving in the U.S. Airforce and working at agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for many years, Sa’id returned to serve on the sloping hills and verdant green of his alma mater by directing callers from the university’s main phone line to departments throughout campus. His gentle and calm voice answered inquiries from prospective and current students, visitors and friends of NCCU. He enjoyed interacting with callers and members of the university community alike, and modeled a genuine spirit of compassion that was filled with deep Eagle Pride. Sa’id would often share treasured stories of his days at NCCU learning alongside classmates that included the late Chancellor Emeritus Julius L. Chambers and NBA Hall of Famer Sam Jones. He was active in the Durham community and served on the board of directors of Jamaat Ibad Ar-Rahman, Inc.
Sa’id leaves his wife, Karen, and two daughters, along with a host of family, friends and his beloved colleagues to cherish his memory.
Expressions of condolences may be emailed to [email protected]; they will be compiled and provided to his family. Please place Sa’id’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
In Truth and Service,
Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.
Chancellor
