Jimmy Carter headlines ISNA Convention in Detroit
(August 26, 2014) – Former American President, Jimmy Carter, will be featured as a keynote speaker at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) national convention to be held in Detroit this weekend.
Carter will address the convention on the historic need for religious communities to mobilize against discrimination and violence that is directed toward girls and women throughout the world which is the subject of his latest book, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power.
ISNA, the largest Muslim group in America, will hold its 51st annual convention at Detroit’s Cobo Center from Friday, August 29 through Monday, Sept. 1. The theme of the convention is “GENERATIONS RISE: Elevating Muslim American Culture.”
“This year’s convention is in Detroit and we’ve been blessed to have an extraordinary group of volunteers in Detroit and from the Michigan area,” said Hazem Bata, ISNA’s Executive Director, in a pre-convention message. “This year’s convention will have something for everyone. I think you are really going to enjoy it.”
Jimmy Carter, the former American President, has visited 145 countries with his wife, Rosalynn, building an interfaith coalition to alleviate unconscionable human suffering.
Muslim leaders at the convention will be invited to sign a Declaration for Peaceful Communities and join President Carter’s movement for greater human rights, according to ISNA.
The convention’s opening session on Friday will be addressed by Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder; Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, the national leader of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Adam Shakoor, Former Chief Judge of the 36th District Court and Deputy Mayor of Detroit; and State Rep. Rashida Talib.
An Islamic Film Festival, an Art and Photography Exhibit, a National Qira’at Competition, a Matrimonial Banquet, Meet the Author sessions and Health Fair will be held, and there will be a bazaar and trade show with more than 400 vendors.
Parallel conferences will also be held by the ISNA affiliated organizations – the Islamic Medical Association of North America, Muslim Students Association and Muslim Youth of North America.
This year, ISNA will be providing convention attendees an opportunity to participate in Muslim-led projects supporting affordable housing and values-based community building.
In partnership with Dream of Detroit and Project HUG, attendees can participate in a 3-hour off-site service initiative that includes a brief “History of Islam in Detroit” visit to a Detroit Westside community, a tour of the HUDA clinic, as well as having the opportunity to directly contribute towards a locally driven Muslim-led neighborhood renewal initiative by working on urban gardening or housing restoration projects.
Another first-time feature of the convention will be the ISNA Detroit 2014 5K Run/Walk that will offer a scenic riverside tour and provide attendees from across the country a view of the best of Detroit.
The event will commemorate ISNA’s commitment to incorporating healthy living and family fun into the culture of the Muslim American fabric.
ISNA is a partner in American First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign. and a champion of health and wellness for the American Muslim community.
The organization is also planning to hold a town hall meeting during the convention, according to ISNA’s Executive Director, Hazem Bata.
“I am happy to announce that at this year’s convention we’ll be having a town hall style meeting,” said Bata. “At this meeting we’ll be having an open mic and participants will be having a chance to speak directly to me and other ISNA leadership.”
“Give us your feedback, your insights, your concerns and, yes, your constructive criticisms,” he added. “ISNA is your organization – we are here to serve you and the community, so come tell us how best we can serve you.”