Obituary: Sister Atikiah Hashim Bey

??”Sister Bey” as she was affectionately called by many, was born and raised in Philadelphia. She was an only child and her mother passed when Sister Bey was only 2 years old. She was raised by her father and paternal Aunt. Sister Bey was a bright child and always a fast learner.

She attended South Philadelphia High School and later completed basic Nurse’s Training. She had two daughters as a teen mother and was married for a short while, yet remained determined to follow her dreams.

One of Sister Bey’s deepest passions was her love of music. She was a talented vocalist and pianist and toured for several years during the 1950’s along the East Coast and Canada. Jazz music was close to her heart and she truly admired the esteemed vocalist, Sarah Vaughn.

 A pivotal turning point took place in Sister Bey’s life in the late 1950’s when she was introduced to the teachings of the great Moorish leader and teacher, Noble Drew Ali. Once Sister Bey embarked on her life course as a Moor, she never looked back. As an adherent of these teachings, she advanced to many levels of knowledge, wisdom and trainings, even unto the coveted title of Governess. Sister Bey is credited with “nationalizing” many newcomers to the Moorish teachings and truly lived the faith admirably.

Sister Bey was a woman of many gifts and talents; she had a keen mind and intellect and was one who won almost every debate she ever took on! She was a splendid cook and her culinary talents were known and appreciated by many. However, in the mid 1980’s she was fortunately blessed with the opportunity to acquire WPEB Community Radio Station. Once again Sister Bey had something into which she could channel her enormous passion and undaunting spirit.

She served as executive director of the station for over 18 incredible years and provided entree and training for many in the field of radio broadcasting and communications. WPEB Radio was a perfect vehicle for Sister Bey to maximize and further develop her many talents. She was an excellent broadcaster, strategist and marketing analyst and one of her favorite programs that she developed was “The Widow”.

Sister Bey was acknowledged throughout the Delaware Valley in her time, as a memorable female leader in the field of radio broadcasting and communications.

During the later years of her retirement, Sister Bey had some health concerns which increased over time but she never let those health issues deter her strong spirit. She did her best to enjoy the good things in life and pursued what she valued: remaining socially conscious and active, enjoying recreation at Atlantic City and Philadelphia area casinos where she was very “lucky”, attending gospel and other music events, dinners with close friends and associates and always making time for her greatest love; studying and pursuing more knowledge, wisdom and understanding.Sister Bey’s life motto was: “Uplifting fallen humanity through communications, the key to unity”.  

She will be lovingly remembered in the community, friends, family, two daughters, and six grandchildren.