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Al Sharpton, Dennis Kucinich To Headline CAIR Banquet

Community News - Community News

Written by Contributing Writers

Tuesday, 25 September 2012 10:01

On Saturday, September 29, 2012 the national office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will hold its 18th annual banquet in Arlington, Va. The event is expected to draw some 800 attendees from the D.C. metro area and surrounding states.

During the day, CAIR is hosting its third annual leadership training conference, in which top trainers in their fields will teach critical skills training sessions. Workshops will focus on community emergency preparedness, maximizing the Muslim vote in the 2012 elections, and successful coalition building.

Because of the coordinated campaign in the past two years to introduce anti-Islam laws in states across the country, the organization is also offering sessions on how to answer tough questions about Sharia and strategies for challenging these anti-Islam laws.

“Our community is blessed to have organizations that can represent us on important issues, but it’s critical that individual Muslims get involved as well,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. “That’s why we offer the leadership skills conference – to help give local activists the tools they need for effective advocacy.”

The theme of the day will be "Upholding Our Constitution, Defending Our Faith." The evening banquet will feature civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton as the keynote speaker, along with Imam Siraj Wahhaj. Congressman Dennis Kucinich will receive a lifetime achievement award for his longstanding support for the rights of American Muslims. Kucinich is planning to retire after completing his eighth term this year. Azhar Usman, the Muslim comedian best-known as a member of the “Allah Made Me Funny” comedy tour, is scheduled to perform.

Tickets for both events are required in advance. For details or to register, go to cair.com/banquet. CAIR will waive the registration feel for those willing to volunteer before and during the events.