Muslims in Marquette Park Stand Against Violence with Other Faith Leaders
Sent by CAIR-Chicago in support of Sister OrganizationINNER-CITY MUSLIM ACTION NETWORK (IMAN)
WHAT: Muslims, in solidarity with the families of victims and key faith leaders who live, work and worship in Marquette Park, will gather in the wake of the gruesome act of violence that occurred Wednesday in their community and reject any rationale that connects this atrocity to the Muslim community and Islam
WHO: The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), the Ephraim Bahar Cultural Center, the Beth Shalom Synagogue, the churches connected with Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP), and Keisha Larry - sister of the suspect and the mother of two of the victims
WHEN: Friday, April 16 at 4:30 pm
WHERE: Ephraim Bahar Cultural Center, 2525 West 71st Street, Chicago, IL
WHY: To gather in prayer and extend our condolences to the victims of this heinous crime against innocent life. A great deal of cooperation takes place among the diverse ethnic, religious, and racial communities currently residing in Marquette Park, and Muslims play a leading role in these efforts. This population also includes some individuals who were formerly incarcerated and have committed their lives to working for peace, stability, and interfaith-cooperation in the community. The alleged suspect's conversion to Islam in prison has been cited in the media as one of the variables that led to these ghastly acts. We take exception to that connection and remind everyone that the Muslim faith has historically been a transformative and rehabilitative factor within US prisons.
"There are Many Muslims who work everyday to improve the quality of life in this community and they categorically reject any individual's attempt to link these ghastly murders with Muslims or Islam." - Rami Nashashibi, Executive Director, IMAN
CONTACT: Ndidi Okapu, IMAN Executive Fellow Day: 773.434.IMAN (4626) ext. 222 Cell: 312.532.8374 Fax: 773.303.8858 ndidi@imancentral.org
The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) is a community-based nonprofit that works for social justice, delivers a range of direct services, and cultivates the arts in urban communities.
Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) 2744 W. 63rd St Chicago, IL 60629 773.434.IMAN(4626); 773.303.8858 fax www.imancentral.org