Diversity Forum

CIOM Press Release

Michigan Muslims to hold Diversity Forum in Detroit on MLK Weekend to Build Bridges of Inclusivity

(WARREN, MI 8/31/2010) — The Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) and the Islamic Society North America (ISNA) will kick off their first ever Diversity Forum on MLK weekend, with primary events starting Sat Jan 15 at 9:30 AM at the Detroit DoubleTree Hotel, 5801 Southfield Expressway.

The event “Realizing the Dream: Finding Strength Through Diversity,”  will focus on the importance of respect for diversity within the Muslim community, particularly with regard to race and sectarian differences, using the Detroit community as a model for reform.  Detroit is among the most diverse and concentrated populations of Muslims in North America.

Forum speakers include: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, Founder of the Park 51 Project in NYC; Dr. Sherman Jackson, renowned scholar of Islam and race and RNA’s Top 10 Experts on Islam in America; Dr. Tariq Ramadan (by video), Islamic Reformer and one of Time Magazine’s top 100 Innovators of the 21st century; Imam Mohamed Magid, ISNA President and 2010 Olender Foundation Peacemaker of the Year; Safaa Zarzour, ISNA Secretary General; Ghalib Begg, CIOM Co-Founder; Imam Zaid Shakir, renowned Islamic scholar and co-founder of Zaytuna College, the first Muslim American college; Aisha Al-Adawiya, human rights and social justice activist and ED of Women in Islam; Dawud Walid, ED of the Council on American Islamic Relations-Michigan (CAIR-MI); and more than 40 other activists, community leaders, and leading speakers on issues of race, diversity, and Islam.

The weekend is part of Muslim community’s greater commitment to pluralism and celebration of diversity in America.

For more information:  ISNA Diversity Forum www.isna.net/divesityforum / CIOM (http://www.ciomonline.com/)

WHAT: Diversity Forum – “Realizing the Dream: Finding Strength Through Diversity” YouTube Promo Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbs-DT_cftQ

WHEN:. The media booth will open from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Friday evening and re-open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday to distribute press passes and media kits.  All media must be registered and credentialed to attend the weekend’s events

WHERE: Detroit DoubleTree Hotel, 5801 Southfield Expressway.

CONTACT:  To register for the event and obtain press credentials, please visit the media registration booth on Friday or Saturday.

To obtain more information, or arrange speaker interviews, email ISNA communications coordinator Sarah Thompson at sthompson@isna.net.

Local CIOM Contact:  Sofia Begg Latif   sofiablatif@gmail.com  586.808.2864

13-3