CAIR-Chicago sponsored the eighth session of the Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) this past Saturday, September 24th. Over 50 youth participants attended and listened to presentations by five local Muslim leaders and professionals. The symposium highlighted topics related to self-identity, media effects, activism and leadership.

CAIR-Chicago intern, Becky Fogel, created this audio documentary for Vocalo and Chicago Public Media on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks to share perspectives on the media’s role in harboring Islamophobia. Becky interviewed civil rights activists in the Muslim community and had them share their thoughts on how public perception of Muslims has changed since 9/11.

CAIR-Chicago’s Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif delivered presentations to Media and Professional Writing classes at the University of Illinois at Chicago on April 19th and 26th. Professor Linda Landis Andrews

CAIR-Chicago’s Executive Director Ahmed Rehab was one of many speakers taking part in the Al-Jazeera Forum in Doha, Qatar this past weekend. The forum typically hosts various representatives from media, politics, academia and activist groups to convene and discuss issues regarding the constantly changing dynamic of the Arab world and its place in globalized society.

On Tuesday March 8 2011, delegates from the Kyrgyzstan news media came to the CAIR-Chicago office to meet with the Communications, Outreach, and Research departments. The delegation was here to understand and develop editorial policies in independent print and online media.

CAIR-Chicago Communications Coordinator Amina Sharif delivered a presentation to students at the University of Illinois at Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 18th to share how CAIR-Chicago engages with the media and advocates for a fair depiction of Muslim-Americans.

Sharif discussed CAIR-Chicago’s work to combat religious discrimination and promote religious tolerance, and explained how media plays a critical role in that effort. She also described how CAIR-Chicago serves as a resource to journalists and news producers by offering them support and expert analysis as they develop their news reports.

Film Makers from the West Bank and State Department officials will visit the CAIR-Chicago office this upcoming Saturday and Monday. The 3-man news team from Palestine is working on a State Department-supported project titled “Muslim Life in America.”

learly, Barack Obama’s ascension to power marks a dramatic departure from the last eight years in terms of presidential political philosophy and outlook.