"Betty Shabazz," edited by Jamie Foster Brown. Simon & Schuster. 160 pages. $23.

Before her death in a tragic fire, Betty Shabazz was besknown as the widow of Malcolm X and the woman who went on earn a Ph.D. and become a college administrator while raising their six daughters and traveling around the world keeping Malcolm's name and mission alive.

In "Betty Shabazz," a marvelous collection of 40 essays, readers can learn more about this inspiring woman, mentor and friend to everyone from Maya Angelou and Queen Latifah to former NAACP chair Myrlie Evers-Williams and Gloria Steinem.

Evers says, "She just had this free spirit, in the best sense of the word. ... She could laugh and make you come out of yourself enough to chase away whatever might be weighing you down."

This loving tribute will keep memories of Betty Shabazz alive forever.

Pub Date: 9/06/98