Kenshasa Shabaka

Kenshasa Shabaka, age 90, of East Hampton and Brooklyn, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, with her family by her side. She moved through the world with confidence, compassion, and an infectious spirit of joy, leaving a lasting positive impression on all who interacted with her. In addition to her beauty and grace, Mrs. Shabaka was highly regarded for her intellect and trailblazing spirit.

Mrs. Shabaka was born on September 25, 1935, to Clifford Wilson, Sr. and Mary Wilson (née Duncan) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was among the first African American students to integrate the Indianapolis public school system and graduated from Shortridge High School at the age of 16. Mrs. Shabaka attended Butler University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. In 1968, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University. She also completed coursework in psychoanalytic art therapy at New York University.

Mrs. Shabaka dedicated her life to the betterment of youth through her nearly 60-year practice as a child psychologist, her advocacy work along with being a college professor. During her tenure as a psychology professor at the College of Staten Island (CSI), she played a leadership role in developing stress-management initiatives. She created a pioneering stress-management course that was later adopted by other City Universities of New York campuses. Additionally, Professor Shabaka was especially proud of her service in the S.E.E.K. (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) Program at CSI, where she provided effective strategies to improve the educational success of marginalized student populations. In addition, for over two decades, she produced a weekly public television show called 1001 Ways to Cope with Stress. Her commitment to excellence and equity was both noteworthy and impactful.

Beyond her clinical practice and role as an educator, Mrs. Shabaka was an avid traveler who found great joy in traveling abroad. She most cherished her trips across the continent of Africa due to her deep love of her African heritage. There, she formed meaningful connections leading her to become a Yemoja priestess in addition to practicing her Christian faith. Mrs. Shabaka collected African art, sculptures, and jewelry that she proudly displayed in her homes and generously shared on occasion with the public through exhibitions.

Her greatest pride was her three children, whom she shared with her late husband, Kabo Shabaka. They married in 1972 and he untimely passed in 1980. Mrs. Shabaka is survived by her daughter Nubiaa Shabaka Ferrier, son-in law Steve Ferrier, grandson Aaron Ferrier, son Jaja Shabaka, granddaughter Kaia Shabaka, sister Sharon Wilson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Kassa Shabaka, sister Rose Marie Banks, and brothers Fred Wilson and Clifford Wilson, Jr.

Services will be at Riverside Memorial Chapel in Manhattan on May 8, with interment the following day at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in East Hampton.