Julius (Karim A. Shabazz ) "Cat Paw" Hicks

My name is Julius Edward Hicks. I was born to parents Leon Hicks Sr. and Margaret S. Hicks on June 22, 1953. As a baby I was very hairy, so my father nicknamed me ‘Catpaw’ which became infamous over my lifetime. My journey began on Clay St. in downtown Richmond but migrated to Church Hill where some of my fondest memories were created and lifelong friendships were forged. As a young child I was baptized at St. Paul’s Baptist Church but later in life I converted to the Nation of Islam and became a brother of Muhammed’s Temple. In 2013, I decided to legally change my name to Karim Shabazz. As many know, Church Hill has a vast amount of history which intrigued me. I would often be heard schooling young people on the forgotten history of newly gentrified neighborhoods and pointing out slave auction blocks hidden in plain sight down by the river, ultimately earning the title of Church Hill’s unofficial historian. History also was represented in my music choices. I had a passion for the soulful sounds of the 60’s and 70’s and would spend my leisure time getting lost in the music and reminiscing about the old days. I attended John F. Kennedy and John Marshall High Schools but received my GED.Later I went on to study business administration at Virginia Union University for two years. I earned a living as a dough mixer at the Wonder Bread factory working there for 10 years. During my time there it was discovered that I had multiple sclerosis which forced me to leave the workforce, but the diagnosis never broke my spirit. I continued to lead a vibrant life by spending my days visiting family and friends throughout the city and beyond. Life’s greatest gifts came by way of my children. First a daughter, Svondai ‘Vondell’ Brown, who has always been right by my side and tending to my every need, for this I often referred to her as the ‘good daughter’. Then I was blessed with a son, Julius ‘Ju Ju’ Edwards who bares many of my characteristics such as my humor and charm. I was preceded in death by my father Leon Hicks Sr. and leaving behind to cherish my memory is my mother Margaret S. Hicks; daughter Svondai Brown (Ebony), son Julius Edwards; brothers Leon Hicks Jr., Carl Wendell Hicks, Robert Hicks Sr. (Sheila); sisters Margaret H. Connor, Brenda Hicks, Yolanda H. Barber (Edward), Crystal H. Reid (Kevin); grandchildren Nasir Brown, Lon Coward, Briana Logan, Julius Edwards Jr.,Jeremiah Edwards, D’Jarnae Clark, Brion Logan, Jubriel Edwards, Jordan Edwards;bonus grandchildren Antonio Webb, Isaiah Foster, Shanyah Gentry, Sir’Royal Harris and Jocelynn Garner; faithful and devoted friends Priscilla Harris and Arnetta Wilson (Derrick):a host of relatives and friends.

Tributes

Julius (Karim A. Shabazz ) "Cat Paw" Hicks

June 22, 1953 - August 27, 2020