Gordon Morrell Higgs, affectionately known as Malik, Butter and E, was born on October 22, 1949 in Camden, NJ to Clinton Higgs, Sr and Annie Kirl Higgs. Malik grew up in Camden and moved to Lawnside, NJ in 1965. He attended Camden High School and graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 1967. He also attended Camden County College where he studied Sociology.

Malik worked construction with the Laborers Union Local 222 in Camden from 1967 until his retirement in 1997. He also worked as a substitute teacher for a short period of time. After retirement, he enjoyed driving people around and helping to nurture and take care of others. He always had time to talk or provide words of wisdom to anyone he encountered. He was very personable and down to earth; a true “people person”.

Malik was an avid sports fanatic for all sports teams in Camden and Philadelphia and he especially loved the Eagles. He also played basketball and football and organized sports leagues of his own.

Malik has always been an activist and voice for the people. From 1968 to 1972, Malik committed himself to black empowerment and the struggle for freedom locally and country-wide. He served as the President of the Young Blacks in Lawnside and advocated for black people during a pivotal time in history. After the demise of the young blacks, Malik went on to join the Nation of Islam and accepted Islam under the direction and leadership of Wallace Deen Muhammad.

Malik is predeceased by his parents, Clinton Higgs, Sr. and Annie Kirl Higgs; his daughter Taliah L Higgs; his brother Parris Higgs, Sr; his grandson Eric “Buka” Cauthorne and longtime companion, Doris L Holmes.

Malik leaves to cherish his loving memory; 5 children, Omar Higgs, Nana Cauthorne (Eric), John Lavar Wiggins, Aliya Hawkins, Rasheeda Hawkins (Nathaniel); brothers Clinton ‘Aaskia’ Higgs, Jr, Wali Abdul Salaam (Lynda Najla); sisters, Rita Harrison and Gail Moore (Mike); grandchildren, Taliah Higgs, Tyquan Higgs Sr, Veshana Hamblin, Immanuel Wiggins, Jamal Dobson, Samiyah Cauthorne, Ciani Hawkins-Stallworth, Auhbrey Johnson, Amari Stallworth; great-grandchildren; Khori Higgs, Jayla Higgs-Anderson, Kay’Lynn Ford, Tyquan Higgs, Jr and a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.