Fatimah Ali, 56, Phila. journalist

Fatimah Ali, 56, a fierce advocate for social justice who broadcast her views on local radio and wrote a column for the Philadelphia Daily News from 2006 to 2011, died in her sleep Monday, Jan. 23, in her North Philadelphia home.

One of her daughters, Khadija Ahmaddiya, said the cause of death was not known.

"She lived life on her own terms," said her former husband, State Sen. Vincent Hughes. "She was very thoughtful, very insightful, very intelligent, and very committed to social change."

Ms. Ali was best known locally for her Daily News column and her two-hour daily broadcasts on WURD-AM (900), where she hosted The Real Deal With Fatimah Ali.

It began in March 2011, and her last broadcast was a report on the activities of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

Ms. Ali described herself as a "God-loving mother of five and grandmother. I'm a journalist, a radiohead, who loves her family, her roots, people, art, food, news and information, and culture."

"The beauty of Fatimah Ali's career is that despite career changes, she seized new opportunities for her vibrant voice to be heard," said Sarah J. Glover, president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and a Daily News photographer.

"She's a Philly gal who kept it real, produced thoughtful commentary in written and spoken words, and gave back to the community."

Sandra Shea, Daily News editorial-page editor, said, "We were always grateful to have Fatimah's thoughtful voice in the mix of our editorial contributors. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Ms. Ali grew up in West Mount Airy and graduated from Germantown Friends School in 1974. She attended Wesleyan University, majoring in English and history.

She worked for a number of radio stations, including WDAS, WHAT, and WURD in Philadelphia, and stations in New York City, including 1010 WINS, the all-news station.

She was married to Hughes and to Philadelphia radio and TV journalist A. Brahin Ahmaddiya, who died in 2000. Her current partner was Natu Ali.

Besides her daughter, she is survived by daughters Ariell Hughes, Rashida, and Yasmin; a son, Malik Ahmaddiya; two sisters; and two grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were pending.