Eric A El-Amin

Born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 21, 1954, Imam Eric Ahmad El-Amin was the younger of two sons of Flan and Ruby Couch. He was affectionately known as “Deke” and “Jackie” by many of his friends. Eric was curious, yet physically active at an early age. He continued all his life participating in many and varied activities and programs. While a student in elementary and junior high school, he played Little League baseball. He was a member of his father’s many championship teams, and was an outstanding catcher. At Forest Park High School, he starred in football, basketball, and baseball receiving many awards, some of which included “All State” recognition. Eric received a scholarship to Virginia State University where he lettered in football and baseball. He then transferred to Morgan State University and continued to play baseball and received All-American honors as a catcher. He was the last All American baseball player in Morgan’s history. He was also a key member of Morgan’s Debate Team. It was during this period of time, he accepted Islam under the leadership of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. As in everything he did, he gave one hundred and fifty percent of himself in an effort to meet the requirements of the faith. After the death of Elijah Muhammad, Eric continued to serve Islam diligently under the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed who was a friend and companion. He served in various leadership capacities over the years and at his death, was a member of the Public Relations staff of the ministry of W.D. Mohammed. He traveled frequently throughout the country and abroad promoting the proper image of Islam. He was a member of Muslim American delegations that met with Pope John II, Bartholomew I, and Grand Mufti of Syria.Eric possessed and extraordinary ability in relating to people. He was employed in the Dallas, Texas public school system. Upon his return to Baltimore, he was a therapeutic counselor for Baltimore Family Life, then as a community planner for Northwest Baltimore Corporation, and for many years, was the policy advisor to the Baltimore City Health Department, and then Project Manager at the Urban League. He was the recipient of many community and humanitarian awards and also served as a co-host on Morgan State’s radio station WEAA, Dialogue With the African Male.His loving and devoted wife, Hanan; son, Ahmed; mother, Ruby, loving brother, Earl; sisters-in-law, Ethelyn, Precious and Donna; brother-in-law, James; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, will cherish Eric’s memory.

Tributes

Eric A El-Amin

May 21, 1954 - April 11, 2002