Michigan Muslims to Serve Detroit on 9/11

Press Release

(WARREN, MI 8/31/2010) — As part of President Barack Obama’s call to all Americans to make September 11 an annual National Day of Service and Remembrance, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) will join organizations from across metro-Detroit for Acts of Kindness (A-OK) Detroit: A Weekend of Remembrance and Restoration.

On Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, during the time of the Eid festival, CIOM volunteers will join Michigan’s interfaith community in rising above prejudice and hatred to spend the anniversary of 9/11 in service to our city and neighbors.  People of different faiths, ethnic backgrounds, and races will work together to bring recovery and renewal to Detroit while learning they have much in common.  Volunteers will be on hand to take part in community service projects ranging from environmental and life skills education, to restoring a mural at the Boys & Girls Club to clean-up projects around the city.

The weekend is part of CIOM’s greater commitment to service in Michigan and its support for the national “Muslim Serve” campaign.  Last summer, American Muslims participated in more than 3,500 community service projects all around the country as part of President Obama’s "United We Serve" campaign. "Muslim Serve" is about demonstrating how our Islamic values inspire us to serve humanity, and is meant to highlight the great contributions that the Muslim community has provided and continues to provide our great nation.

Acts of Kindness (A-OK) Detroit: A Weekend of Remembrance and Restoration is a collaboration of the following partners:  The Interfaith Leadership Council, ACCESS, City Year, 1 By Youth, Leadership Detroit, CIOM,  WIDSOM Wayne County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, United Way, Jewish Community Relations Council, Detroit Edison Public School Academy, Detroit Public Schools, Catholic Social Services of Wayne County, SW Detroit Work, Greening of Detroit, Clark Park Coalition, Riverside Park, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision, Mercy Education Project, and Cristo Rey High School.

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