Today we’d like to introduce you to Queen Zakia Shabazz.
Hi Queen Zakia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My passion for justice began when I was about 12 years old and attended a tenants meeting in Brooklyn, NY. The unity of the tenants coupled with a rent strike made the landlords do what was right and provide basic amenities. Later, when my infant son was poisoned by lead I found that passion again. United Parents Against Lead was founded in 1996 to address the over 400 new cases of child lead poisoning in Richmond, VA that year. 2026 marks UPAL’s 30th year of community service and advocacy for lead poisoned children and their families. We reached this milestone by remaining steadfast in our commitment to the right of children to live and grow in a safe and healthy environment.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been smooth, but we trod on. Among the many struggles were lack of political will, lack of awareness of the threat and dangers of lead poisoning and changing access to funding.
As you know, we’re big fans of United Parents Against Lead & Other Environmental Hazards (UPAL). For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
UPAL specializes in childhood lead poisoning prevention. Our founder is known widely as The Lead Lady. We have been advocating for children and against lead and other environmental hazards for 30 years. What sets us apart is that our founder, Queen Zakia Shabazz, is the mother of a lead poisoned son. She relates to parents of lead poisoned children in way that others cannot. Brand wise we are most proud that we have survived the times and have been able to work with thousands of families over the years.
Continuing the legacy of community first UPAL has created Virginia’s first solar powered Community Resiliency Hub. The Hub provides safe refuge during climate crises.
What makes you happy?
Life and being amongst the living makes me happy. Each day brings promise and endless opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upalnational.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087904369875
- Twitter: https://x.com/UPALNational
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@upalnational
