Congresswoman Hails Muslim
Institution as Model of Hope
UMMA
Clinic Delegation and the Hon. Congresswoman Maxine
Waters in the Rayburn Room of the Nation’s Capitol
|
Washington, DC: On July
26, 2006, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) proudly proclaimed
that "the UMMA Clinic provides Muslim-Americans with
an institution in which they can take pride, one that enriches
the community with services that save lives."
The University Muslim Medical Association (UMMA) Community
Clinic is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary of dedicated
service to the residents of South Los Angeles -- regardless
of their race, religion or socio-economic status.
Her address before a session of the US Congressional House
of Representatives may be the first time in over two centuries
of US Congressional history that a Muslim-American institution
was hailed as a model of hope, progress and benefit to the
whole of American society.
Noting that the UMMA Clinic is the nation's first Muslim-American
founded charitable health center, Congresswoman Waters underscored
that UMMA emerged "as a result of the obligations Muslim-Americans
feel to ensure the well-being of everyone in society."
"At a time when Muslim-Americans face unfair discrimination
and scrutiny, the UMMA Clinic allows Muslims to put their
faith into action through service, selflessness and compassion,"
the Congresswoman stated. Her address represents a courageous
and refreshing recognition of a long-standing, though overlooked
fact: Muslim-Americans are an inseparable part of the nation's
fabric, and as she said, "UMMA Clinic is one of the many
ways that Muslim-Americans serve their country."
The Congresswoman's address invites the possibility of serious
public reflection on the negative stereotypes associated with
Islam and Muslims. With added exposure for organizations like
UMMA Clinic, an accurate understanding of Islam may soon emerge,
whereby compassion and concern for preserving life become
synonymous with Muslim practice.
For ten years, these values have helped UMMA flourish as a
primary provider of free, high-quality healthcare for over
15,000 children and adults, many of whom would otherwise have
no access to primary health care services.
Punctuating her remarks with a challenge to her Congressional
colleagues, Congresswoman Waters said, "If you want to
see what Muslim-Americans truly represent, go to the UMMA
Community Clinic in my district and you will see it there."
For more information on the UMMA Community Clinic, please
visit www.ummaclinic.org
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