John Abdullah Shamsideen

New London - On Dec. 23, 2005, John Abdullah Shamsideen, born John Lawson Bolton of Memphis, Tenn., left this life. As a devout Muslim, he was interned at the Islamic Cemetery located in Enfield on Dec. 24, 2005, according to Islamic law.

John leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 55 years, Richie Bolton; daughter, Idette (Bolton) Thompson and her husband, Danny; a son, Varnaud Shamsideen and his wife, Renee; and two grandchildren, Dontae Patterson and Brittany Jaskiewicz. He also leaves behind his two closest friends, Mr. Walt Lewis of California and Mrs. Edith Berry of Oakdale. There are many other friends that will also cherish his memory. John also has a host of nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

John and Richie moved from Albany, N.Y., to Howard St. in New London and then to 23 Hempstead St. Illnesses overcame them both, and they had resided together at the Groton Regency for the past 12 years. His wife survives him at the Groton Regency.

John, a great husband and father, devoted his life to the service of Muslim Community locally and nationwide. This journey led him to a rebirth in Islam and the adoption of a new name. Affectionately known as "Brother John", he was always ready to share his life experiences with anyone. John will continue to touch us through the Islamic Center of New London, of which he was the founder.

This center had very humble beginnings in John's home in the early 1960s. John Shamsideen was among the first African Americans to convert to the social and religious movement known as the Nation of Islam. He traveled widely and assisted the late Malcolm X in establishing in the Mosques (Masjids) or Islamic Centers in Hartford and other cities. He bravely held to the Islamic faith when it was socially unpopular, especially during the 1950s. His work helps make it possible today for other Muslim immigrants in America to practice their faith. Brother John encouraged the youth and African Americans to avoid short term illusion of drug abuse and criminal activity by having a strong belief in God, and by self restraint, education, and political and social involvement in every aspect of American life. Brother John visited the sick and ministered to the imprisoned. He was an avid reader and insisted upon civic responsibility for many of those who often sought his counsel and wisdom.

John Shamsideen held some rare historical documents detailing the trans-Atlantic African slave Diaspora. Some of these documents revealed the 'little known' fact that most African slaves transplanted to the Americas were indeed of Muslim faith long before it was mentioned in Spike Lee's movie, Malcolm X and Alex Haley's book and T.V. mini series, Roots. Because of this he envisioned that most Black Americans will reclaim their own and convert to the Islamic faith within the coming decades. It is noteworthy to mention that Brother John met the mystical founder of the Nation of Islam, W.D. Fard, in New London at one time. Also noteworthy to mention is that John Shamsideen was responsible for a large number of people converting to Islam who still reside in southeastern Connecticut and throughout North America, creating life lasting bonds among its members.

The Lester Gee Funeral Home was in charge of Mr. Shamsideen's arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Islamic Center of New London, 16 Fort St., Groton CT 06340.