Attorney Sadiyah Karriem—known to some as Sadiyah Evangelista—is more than just a lawyer. She’s a fighter, a faith-filled community servant, a relentless advocate for the mistreated and a spiritual warrior rooted in love for her people.
Her journey from childhood pain to professional purpose reads like a testimony in motion: One that inspires, heals and calls others to action.
“She is a sister soldier, lady leader and woman warrior for freedom, justice and equality for humanity,” said Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad, student regional minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 45. “I have not met many who match her passion to right the wrongs perpetrated against the poor and people of color.”
Karriem’s life, career and calling are inseparable. They are all born from a deep well of faith and a personal history that forged in her a lifelong mission: To stand in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Inspiration for law, activism
For Karriem, the path to law wasn’t a choice as much as it was a destiny.
“I grew up in foster care because in my home there was a lot of abuse—physical, emotional and for me specifically, sexual abuse from the age of five to ten,” said Karriem. “Going through that legal process, I had this epiphany when I got on the witness stand. I thought, ‘I want to do this. I want to help those who can’t help themselves.’ At that moment, I knew there was no turning back.”
In fifth grade, she participated in a mock trial at Houston’s criminal courthouse with Judge Ted Poe presiding. Competing with a classmate for the role of judge, her peers chose her. She donned a robe, presided over her own story turned into a case and from that day forward, her path was sealed.
“From that moment, I knew this was going to be my life—to advocate for others, to help those who couldn’t help themselves,” she said.
Her advocacy expanded beyond the courtroom into grassroots activism. Inspired by Minister Louis Farrakhan’s lecture, “Save Our Girls,” Karriem co-founded Queendom Come, Inc., an organization devoted to empowering women and girls to live “on purpose with purpose.”
“We reach out to those who have been affected by injustice, sexual abuse, disparities in life. We don’t just feed them physically—we feed their spirits. We teach, we mentor and we serve,” she said.
This holistic approach to justice is what makes Karriem more than a lawyer. As activist Deric Muhammad describes her, “a consummate triple threat for her community—spiritual, legal and social. Fearless, diligent and relentless when it comes to fighting for justice.”
Faith foundation
At the core of Karriem’s life and work is her faith.
“As a young child, I was always inclined to the spiritual. I’ve always been a seeker,” shared Karriem. “Because of my strong faith and what I endured as a child, I made it my mission to stand in the gap for others. Becoming a lawyer was the easiest decision I ever made because it was already decided in my spirit.”
For the past 20 years, she has been a devoted member of the Nation of Islam, a student in the ministry class under the guidance of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, as well as Southwest Regional Minister Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad.
She recalls seeing the Nation’s brothers standing strong in the community while she worked in politics with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and President Bill Clinton.
“I said I wanted to be in those ranks as well,” she explained. “To not only be a lawyer but to fight as a student minister, that’s where my strength comes from.”
It is this dual grounding—professional and spiritual—that keeps her steady in the storm.
Memorable cases
Karriem has been on the frontlines of some of Houston’s most important and heartbreaking cases.
She recalls the devastating case of Roderick Brooks, who was shot in the back of the head by a Harris County sergeant after being accused of shoplifting laundry detergent. Despite video evidence, the officer was found not guilty.
“I’ve had so many cases where clients—mostly young Black men—were wrongfully charged or made a mistake. To get cases dismissed, to see someone get a second chance, that brings me joy.”
Attorney Sadiyah Karriem
“To sit with the family and then see the jury deliver a not-guilty verdict was heartbreaking,” Karriem said. “It reminded me of Rodney King. Decades later, we are still dealing with the same injustice. That case stays with me.”
Yet Karriem also holds onto the victories.
“I’ve had so many cases where clients—mostly young Black men—were wrongfully charged or made a mistake. To get cases dismissed, to see someone get a second chance, that brings me joy,” she said. “It’s not just about one client; it’s about their whole family, their whole community. That’s the impact.”
People locally and nationally feel Karriem’s advocacy.
Dr. Sajdah Wendy Muhammad, global thought leader and entrepreneur, called her “a people’s champion. A sisters’ sister. She treats love as an action word.”
Challenges as a Black woman
Karriem is candid about the challenges she faces as a Black woman in law and activism.
“There are disparities we face in every arena. But I don’t let it stop me,” she said. “That’s why I created organizations like Queendom Come, Inc. We go into communities and feed women and girls—not just their bodies, but their spirits, minds and emotions. Because I know what it means to go without.”
That sense of solidarity is part of what makes her so respected. Abdul Aleem Ansari Muhammad, a local Student Imam, described her as “a woman of unwavering strength, whose heart beats with a fierce and tender love for her people. She lifts her community not by standing above them, but by walking beside them.”
A fearless servant
For Karriem, every trial, every march, every community event is connected to the little girl who endured abuse, the fifth grader who first put on a judge’s robe and the woman who decided to turn her pain into power.
She is fearless because she knows the stakes, compassionate because she’s experienced suffering and unyielding because her faith demands nothing less.
“There is only one Sadiyah Karriem,” said Muhammad. “She sets a phenomenal example for young women and girls in our community.”
And that example is why Karriem’s name is etched into Houston’s story—not just as an attorney, but as a beacon of faith, justice and love in action.
