Changing the City for the Better
I am elated that IMAN was recently listed among seven organizations Changing The City For The Better by the renowned nationwide convener Chicago Ideas Week. Such a distinction is only possible with your prayers and support, and securing a table at IMAN’s Annual Dinner on Saturday, December 10th is an important affirmation of that support at this critical time.
The Chicago Ideas Week recognition was also a powerful reminder during a difficult week for many in our larger community. In spite of any potential hardships resulting from the election, our collective mission must be to double down on the work of organizations like IMAN. As an African-American Muslim and daughter of a family that led early American Muslims through very turbulent times, I know that our community can not only withstand hardship but thrive in it.
My father, the late Imam Warith Deen Muhammad (may God have mercy on him), once reminded Muslims of the era of Pearl Harbor and Japanese-American internment, when his community was called the “Black Japs.” The degradation of the Black community and the mischaracterization of Islam as a non-white religion, was undoubtedly linked to the stigmatizing and intimidation of the early American Muslim community. Instead of admitting defeat or falling into despair, those pioneers responded with love for the Creator, themselves and a creative vision for lasting, positive change.
As a long standing IMAN board member, I take great comfort in knowing that my father saw and loved the spirit of hopeful resilience and vision manifested in IMAN’s many programs, campaigns and initiatives. Please join me and my family on Saturday, December 10th at the beautiful South Shore Cultural Center to ensure that work continues to flourish in Chicago, Atlanta and beyond.
Salaam,
Laila Muhammad
IMAN Board Member