Judge Adam Shakoor, former Detroit deputy mayor, civil rights advocate and legal professional who represented Rosa Parks, has died. 

He was 74.

Civil legal rights groups say Shakoor was the nation’s first-at any time Muslim decide. 

He died Sunday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Livonia.

“He was absolutely committed to assisting individuals and was a terrific spouse and children person,” reported Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree, a longtime mate who appeared at Shakoor as a major brother and mentor.

“He was a man or woman who really strived for excellence in himself and all those people he affiliated with. I relied on his counsel and suggestions.”

Shakoor was born in 1947 as Adam Caddell. He grew up in northeast Detroit’s Sojourner Real truth public housing advanced.

He obtained bachelor’s, master’s and legislation levels from Wayne Condition University.

Shakoor converted to Islam during his time at Wayne Point out, prompting his title improve.

He was an activist for social alter and stood up for the legal rights of some others with a enthusiasm for justice and fairness, primarily for the duration of the civil rights actions of the 1960s and 70s, household associates said.

He grew to become an legal professional and was appointed judge of the Widespread Pleas Court docket for Wayne County by the late Gov. William Milliken in 1981. The Michigan Section of Civil Rights and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) say he was the initial Muslim decide in the United States.