Arthur “Shabbir” Martin was a beacon of compassion and dedication in his role as an Outreach Worker with the Southwest Organizing Project's community violence intervention team, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P). Since August 2020, Shabbir committed himself to making a difference, embodying a rare and profound empathy for the participants he worked with. His attentive nature and emotional connection to his work and those he served were hallmarks of his character, setting him apart in his field.

Shabbir’s dedication extended beyond his professional life. He held deep familial bonds, cherishing every moment with his children and grandchildren. Despite the challenges of a long battle with illness, Shabbir remained a pillar of strength and support for those around him until his passing on July 13th, 2024.

Calvin Brown, a friend and coworker, poignantly shared, “Shabbir will be deeply missed, especially for his silliness and love of debates. He had a wealth of knowledge and a knack for pushing your buttons in a playful way. He LOVED food and I often fussed about buying him lunch, but now I wish I could do it just once more. Even on his days off, he’d call to make me laugh. Above all, he truly cared about people, balancing his serious side with a playful spirit.”

Trina Billings, another close friend and coworker, echoed similar sentiments: “Shabbir taught me a lot on the job, bringing positivity and wisdom into the workplace. Though he spoke very little, his words were always impactful. He was protective of his coworkers, especially the women, and prioritized his children and grandchildren above all. Despite our occasional ups and downs, he was intelligent and deeply cared about our work at CP4P. Whenever he could, Shabbir provided guidance, supported everyone, and helped new team members become more acclimated to our work. He was a peacekeeper. If there were ever a disagreement, you could be sure that Shabbir would chime in to make sure we all kept a level head and remembered that at the end of the day, we were all a team. He brought awareness to our role, ensuring street organizations knew of our work throughout the community, allowing us to work safely. His loss is a massive blow to us all; we were inseparable. He will be dearly missed.”

Shabbir’s legacy of kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support for his community and colleagues will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to CP4P and the lives he touched are immeasurable, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who carry forward his mission of peace and compassion.

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