Uncrowned Community Builders

Margaret Sabir-Gillette was born 71 years ago in Clayton, Alabama. Her parents, Ethel Keener McNair and Daniel McNair, after years of working with nothing to show for it, ended up in Johnstown, Pa. Margaret was 3 years old at the time. Her father worked in the steel mill and was self educated, having dropped out of school after the death of his father, to help his mother on the farm. Her mother graduated from high school and taught grammar school for two years before her marriage. With strong Baptist roots, she and her siblings were taught that the most important precepts were: Love for God and prayer; Love for family; and Love for helping others especially the elders.
In September, 1953 Margaret married Donald Gillette. They moved to Buffalo early in 1955 where he had family. He got a job at Bethlehem Steel. After serving in several capacities in the United Steelworkers Loca12601, he became the first African-American president of that branch. Margaret and Don had 4 children, Donald, Harry), Donalyn and Kristal. Margaret continued her education at Bryant and Stratton.
Margaret's father had been a follower of Marcus Garvey in his early years and was influenced by columns written in the Pittsburgh Courier by the late Elijah Muhammad. These writings led to his conversion to Islam in 1957. Margaret and her family were encouraged by her father to attend the local Temple in Buffalo. In those years, the late Malcolm X (EI Hajj Malik Shabazz) frequently spoke in Buffalo. It was partially his influence that made Margaret accept the teachings of Elijah Muhammad. Margaret continues to be an active member of Masjid Nu'Man, with Imam Fajri Ansari. She has served as secretary on the Board of Directors and also is Coordinator of Women's Affairs.
In the early 1960's, Children's Hospital became an on-going part of her life because of the health problems of her children. Two sons had severe asthma and her daughter Krisal was diagnosed with Lupus at age 15. Harry spent 2 years (1970-72) at the Children's Asthma Research Center in Denver, Colorado before coming back to Buffalo and dying at age 14. In the summer of 1970 Margaret was appointed to the board of directors of the local chapter of the Allergy Foundation of America. After serving for two years, some local women formed a support group and Margaret was elected president. They did TV programs on Asthma awareness and even procured State Aid for sever Asthmatics.
At thirty-six Margaret began working at University at Buffalo in the Black Studies Program. This program later became the African-American Studies Department. Among her responsibilities were working with the students in the Work Study program, finding them volunteer placements in the community. She also acted as a liaison between the department and the community. Shortly thereafter she facilitated a new group at UB, known as the African-American Women at UB, bringing faculty and staff together for support and encouragement.
Twenty-four years of her life were devoted to this department until her retirement eleven years ago. Through all these years her involvement in the community flourished. She was President of the S.T.E.P. Parent Association - Science Technology Enrichment Program (after school opportunities for students);board member Langston- Hughes Institute; the WNY Peace Center; Member, CASA- voices for children; Weed & Seed Buffalo; Citizens Advisory Committee to the Police Commissioner; Network of Religious Communities; and the Somali Women Empowerment Organization of WNY
Her niece Robin McNair and a few other Muslim women became aware of the needs of women refugees, so they began volunteering at Viva LaCasa. Many of Margaret's volunteer efforts have been of service to the needs of an underserved population, especially the Somali refugee community. She is known in there as "Ma Margaret", becoming mother and grandmother to many. They work closely with refugees, taking them shopping, making medical appointments, holding social and religious gatherings and assisting children with school problems. They also provide furniture, household items, toys, books, and help to manage everyday things such as keeping appointments and planning. Margaret is continuously working with city and county elected officials, soliciting support from them on behalf of her efforts and interests in the Somali community, securing aid for the Western New York Peace Center and other ventures.
In the spring of 1993, with permission from the National President, Sahirah Muhammad, Margaret organized a local chapter of the International League of Muslim Women, Inc. with which she is very active. Margaret also helped restart the Box Avenue Block Club where the League received a donated house.