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

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations announced today that it has filed a complaint in the U.S. district court, Northern District of Illinois, on behalf of a Muslim flight attendant who allegedly suffered discrimination by his employer, American Airlines.

CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham spoke to a group of over 40 students at Kent Law School as part of a panel last Wednesday. At the event, titled "Human Rights in Gaza: What is Happening Now, and What Can Change for Tomorrow," Abraham discussed Israel’s actions in Gaza within the context of international law.

CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham headed to the Philippines this January as a part of a delegation to the International Visitor’s Program (IVP) Conference in Cebu, Philippines. From January 2-13, Abraham presented on civil rights workshops based upon CAIR-Chicago’s work for victims of discrimination.

This week CAIR-Chicago's Outreach Coordinator Gerald Hankerson attended the first ever Michigan Avenue Forum. The event took place at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in partnership with the Downtown Islamic Center (DIC). The keynote address was given by Eboo Patel, Founder and Director of the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and author of "Acts of Faith."

CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham spoke to a high school class about constitutional rights as a part of the Pegasus Players Acting Free program. The program seeks to teach high school students about various civil rights and civic issues, and then works with them to create plays surrounding those issues.

What: ICN Monthly Potluck Speech

CAIR-Chicago’s Government Affairs Coordinator, Reema Ahmad, along with over 1,200 Pro-Immigrant groups, issued a letter to President Barack Obama this month requesting that he enact immigration policy reforms. The letter addresses the abuses that have been committed by the Department of Homeland Security against immigrants during the past 8 years.

The spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. was alive and well in Chicago this January as volunteers honored the legacy of Dr. King by acting to strengthen their local communities.

What: GAZA UNDER FIRE: Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis

CAIR Chicago’s staff attorney, Kevin Vodak, led a “Know Your Rights” presentation at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) this Tuesday.

CAIR Chicago’s staff attorney, Kevin Vodak, led a “Know Your Rights” presentation at the Muslim Community Center (MCC) this Tuesday.

Disappointed by the country's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a group of about 65 people stood in silent protest in Oak Park Monday (Jan. 19).

CAIR-Chicago and the Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) will joing a coliation of organizations to serve during the Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) National Day of Service. Many of the organizations are intercultural, interfaith, and youth focused. What: Food Drive

CAIR-Chicago is asking community members to attend a vigil in Oak Park this coming Monday calling for an immediate cease-fire and end to the bombing, invasion, and siege of Gaza.

WHAT: Vigil to honor MLK and the innocent civilians and children killed in Gaza

The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is co-sponsoring two vigils today that will celebrate Martin Luther King's fight for justice and human rights, and in the spirit of his work, call for peace in Palestine.

Israel declared a cease-fire Saturday, temporarily ending its 22-day offensive against Gaza, which began Dec. 27 when Israel initiated a military campaign against Hamas’ infrastructure.

Our Annual Event is set to take place on Saturday, March 7, 2009, 6:00PM at the Drury Lane Banquet Hall in Oak Brook Terrace, IL. Please mark your calendars and show your support by attending that day.

What: "The Change We Need", Demonstration Outside Obama's Trasition Office