CAIR Hosts Entertainment
Night for Civil Rights
Ahmad Al-Halabi receives
civil rights award from Hussam Ayloush |
More than 450 people attended
the Entertainment Night for Civil Rights hosted by the Council
on American-Islamic Relations – Southern California
(CAIR-LA) held on Saturday, May 7, at the Heritage Forum in
Anaheim. CAIR-LA honored Airman Ahmad Halabi and Chaplain
Yusuf Yee for their civil rights struggle.
The night also included an update on the status of civil rights
by Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of CAIR-LA, comedy routines
by Stevie Mack and Ahmed Ahmed, and nasheed (song) and hip
hop performances by Native Deen and Sons of Hagar.
Before accepting his award, the audience was shown a video
clip of Chaplain Yee's experience. Following months of government
investigation and three months of solitary confinement on
charges of espionage, all criminal charges against Yee were
dropped.
In accepting his award from CAIR, Yee thanked the numerous
CAIR chapters and community for their support and help in
his case and raising funds for his legal defense.
A
"60 Minutes" video excerpt shown about Ahmad Al
Halabi highlighted Halabi's ordeal as well. In 2003, whileon
temporary assignment in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was arrested
on charges of spying and espionage. In 2004, charges against
Halabi were dropped.
After receiving his award, Halabi said, "With Allah's
Mercy, justice has been served." He recognized CAIR and
"family, friends, and community" in their "pursuit
of justice" and urged the audience not to "give
up in the face of adversity."
In his talk on civil rights, Hussam Ayloush pointed out that
while Muslims are the main targets of civil rights violations
today, by speaking up Muslims are defending the civil rights
of all people in America. Ayloush also underscored the Islamic
responsibility to speak out for "all victims of injustice,
regardless of who they are, or what ethnic or religious background
they represent." He urged all citizens to "provide
the checks and balances for our government and leaders."
During the entertainment segment of the evening, audience
members laughed through the performances of comedians Stevie
Mack and Ahmed Ahmed.
Native Deen performed songs from the new album entitled "Deen
You Know". Artists Son of Hagar performed tracks from
their new album "A Change".
Commenting on why CAIR chose to combine entertainment and
civil rights, Ayloush stated, "God ordered Muslims not
to faint nor grieve in face of hardships as long as they have
true faith in God."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
