Muslim Community Group Honored with MLK Diversity Award
By Aneesah Nadir, MSW, PhD
Tempe, Arizona: On Monday January 19, 2009, as the nation celebrated Martin Luther King Day, the Muslim Advisory Committee to the Tempe Historical Museum for the Jewel in the Desert Exhibit was awarded the MLK Diversity Award.
Nominated by Amy Douglas of the Tempe Historical Museum, the Muslim Advisory Committee was presented the award at the 11th Annual Tempe Human Relations Commission MLK Diversity Awards Brunch held annually to celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Muslim Advisory Committee, consisting of diverse members of the Arizona Muslim community, worked zestfully to uncover the history of Muslims in Arizona and developed an exhibit for display at the Tempe City Hall Gallery. The exhibit provides an introduction to the history and experiences of Muslim Arizonans.
More than sixteen months ago the Muslim Advisory Committee embarked upon this project as an opportunity to share their faith, traditions and contributions with their Arizona neighbors, classmates, and colleagues to forge closer bonds and understanding.
The Muslim Advisory Committee includes project initiators Dr. Aneesah Nadir and PhD candidate Muna Ali as well as committee members Wasan Awad, Nazli Currium, Karen Hadley, Esther Hassan, Zarinah Nadir, Nadia Pasha, Ali ya Tung, and Hafiz Turk.
The “Jewel in the Desert: Getting Acquainted with our Muslim Neighbors” Exhibit opened October 3-4 2008 with a VIP reception and community festival. The exhibit will remain on display in the Tempe City Hall Gallery at 5th Street East of Mill Avenue in Tempe , until April 3rd during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8-5pm. The Tempe Historical Museum , the City of Tempe Diversity Department, and the various sponsors were all instrumental in making the exhibit and opening events a success.
(Aneesah Nadir is President, Islamic Social Services Association-USA, Mesa, Arizona 85210)
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