(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) celebrated the memory, spirit and legacy of Shamsuddin Abdul-Hamid, affectionately known as “Sham,” on Sunday, April 9, 2017 in the Victoria Theater. Sham’s memorial gathering was joyful remembrance, including performances and tributes by those who knew and loved him and his friends at NJPAC.
“At the age of 25, Sham left a legacy of impressive achievements,” said NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber. “Sham grew up as a drama student in NJPAC’s Arts Education Department, from the seventh grade to high school graduation, and returned later as a college intern, then as a teacher, to guide others to love performance as he did. We are overwhelmed with sadness of his untimely death, and he will live forever in our hearts.”
Shamsuddin Abdul-Hamid was born on Jan. 3, 1992 to Tonya Jamillah Lawson and Salahuddin Abdul-Hamid. He graduated in 2006 from Lady Liberty Elementary School in Newark, where he wrote, directed and cast his first play, “Troubled Waters.” He was a graduate of Arts High School, also in Newark, and Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in acting.
Casey Coakley, retired dean of students from Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts presenting Sham’s college degree to his mother Jamilah Lawson. Photo Credit: Deshong
He was honored with scholarships from The Star-Ledger, awarded by NJPAC, and Omega Psi Phi, and was the winner of the 2010 Poetry Out Loud Competition for his performance of Daniel Beaty’s poem “Knock, Knock.”
An accomplished actor who also dreamed of being a director and playwright, Abdul-Hamid recently appeared in “Fences” at Triad Stage in Greensboro, N.C. and last year was praised in a New York Times review for his role in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “The Brothers Size” at Luna Stage in West Orange. He performed at Shakespeare’s Globe in London and Theatre 167 in New York City and appeared on television in NBC’s “Shades of Blue.”
Sham’s mother, Jamilah Lawson presenting gifts of appreciation to family and friends at the conclusion of the program. Photo Credit: Deshong
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