May 26, 2026
By Thomas Rayfiel
Malika Owusu-Hassan, for many years a familiar face at the Membership Office, died on January 22 of kidney disease. She was 75. Malika joined the Coop in 2004 and retired in 2021. In pre-pandemic times, when FTOP (the Future Time Off Program) still existed, Malika “banked” many extra shifts upstairs, answering phones and dealing with members’ queries. Her daughter, Aziza, says, “Working weekly was something that filled the void of not going to work every day. She loved being a part of the Park Slope Food Coop! It was her own special place (where she could get away from the world for a little bit).The Coop made her feel like she was involved in something very important. Plus, she just loved shopping there and bringing home all the healthy and delicious food!”
Jana Cunningham, Membership Coordinator, says Malika worked “as often as she could.” When asked why, Malika replied that she enjoyed helping people. Jana remembers Malika as being, “kind, inquisitive and funny.”
Malika worked for many years as an educator in the public school system, eventually becoming a New York City Board of Education School Psychologist. One of her colleagues at Canarsie High School, Pastor Varrett John Kennedy, was a longtime friend. Regarding her professional career, he recalls:
“Malika had a unique ability to see potential in young people and to nurture their confidence, identity and voice. She served as a faculty advisor to the African American Club and was instrumental in creating a space where students could engage their heritage with pride and purpose. She was both firm and compassionate, holding high expectations while offering genuine care and support. Her presence in the school community was one of strength, authenticity and quiet leadership. She created joy, camaraderie and connection among students. That was Malika: always building community, always bringing people together.”
Aziza underscores this, calling her “a quiet activist,” working for local causes that she hoped would eventually lead to greater change. On a more personal note, when Aziza was young, Malika strongly encouraged her to get involved in the sport of fencing, feeling it would grow to become an important influence on her life. Aziza recently won the Women’s Vet-40 Saber gold medal at the North American Cup championship.
Malika is survived by her youngest brother, Darrall Lafayette; her five children, Mark, Khalil, Sabriyah, Aziza and Queen-Sheba; her nine grandchildren and her eight great-grandchildren.
Aziza adds: “The only thing my mother loved more than making the community a better place was being with her family.”
Thomas Rayfiel is the author of eight novels. He has also written “living obituaries” for VICE TV.