Faces of Macomb Byron K Oden-Shabazz Byron K Oden-Shabazz moved to Macomb from Toledo, Ohio in 1999. Oden-Shabbazz lists his wife as his biggest inspiration and supporter, so he beamed with pride as she earned her Ph.D. at the University of Toledo, was offered a position in health sciences and social work at Western Illinois University, and rose to become chair and interim dean of the Honors Centennial College. With his wife by his side, Oden-Shabazz turned the culture shock of his Macomb arrival into an opportunity to look through the lens of what he believed his new community could be. Byron’s personal and professional experiences brought him and Macomb the opportunity to help people gain potential and equity as well as move issues such as race relations, youth development, and cultural awareness forward. After finishing his graduate degree, Byron become president of the local NAACP and is co-founder of the Shared Community Action Group, which is dedicated to helping strengthen dialogue and cooperation among diverse members of the community. Oden-Shabazz founded the Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian Project and Foundation, helping to place two historical land markers on the childhood home of C.T. Vivian as a tribute to the infamous Civil Rights leader and Macomb native. A member, area director, and
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chapter president of the first black Greek letter organization Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Byron was integral in his beloved fraternity recognizing Brother C.T. Vivian at the state and national level with The Omega Service, a profound last rites service for the passing of a Brother. Oden-Shabazz hopes to continue to honor the life and legacy of C.T. Vivian with a week of cultural events, workshops on racial justice, conversations on diversity and inclusion, a $2 million cultural center, and chances to bring national attention to Macomb. With a commitment to becoming a more progressive community, Oden-Shabazz and other local leaders created a series of popular workshops and conversational outlets to initiate racial harmony and recovery. Knowing Macomb is a city based on partnerships and equality is important for all, Byron helped co-create a new group named Bridge Builders and sits on the board of the Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), both organizations designed to provide social services and resources that will help all citizens improve their quality of life. Ever looking to the future of his community, Byron has goals to open The Gentleman’s Chamber or Man Shop, a one-stop for men with grooming, barbershop, tailoring, massage therapy, nail, and shoe shining services all under one roof. Byron K Oden-Shabazz loves his community and is deeply invested in helping to improve it, while and ensuring he remains a voice of opportunity for marginalized people every single day.
