Ms. Lydia Salaam-Freeman was born August 26, 1949 to Logan Jackson, Jr. and Charlene Jackson in Englewood, New Jersey. Raised in Englewood and Jersey City where she graduated from Snyder High School and St. Peter's College. She relocated to Orlando, Florida in 1988 through her great career with the State of Florida, she retired after 20 years of service with the Juvenile Justice System. She enjoyed sewing and made custom African inspired clothing and jewelry through her own pride "Lydia's House of Purple".

She is survived by her children: Corey Salaam, Bonita Freeman, Welbon Salaam, Halima Salaam, Nyree William-Freeman, Habeebah Salaam, Delvin Salaam and a host of grandchildren, siblings, relatives and friends.