CAIR-LA's Valley Banquet Honors Key Activists
Anaheim, CA: Over 250 community members turned out for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Greater Los Angeles Area (CAIR-LA) Valley Banquet on Saturday, April 1st at the Sheraton in Agoura Hills.
The event helped raise funds to support the growth of CAIR-LA's civil rights and advocacy work in the Valley area.
Themed "Building Bridges, Not Walls," the banquet featured key activists, religious leaders and mosque representatives in the area who have been dedicated to challenging Islamophobia and improving their communities to bring about positive social change especially in a post-Trump era.
Syed Hussaini, LA & Valley Outreach Manager, began the program with opening remarks, followed by a Qur’anic recitation by Shad AhamedDilshad of Islamic Society of West Valley.
CAIR-SFBA's Executive Director Zahra Billoo, Esq. served as the program's Master of Ceremonies and gave a speech later in the evening elaborating on the vision for the future of the American Muslim community and discussed CAIR’s critical role in helping shape a more vibrant and thriving future for Muslims in America.
Attendees watched video testimonials from Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA 37th District) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA 27th District) who congratulated CAIR-LA on their many years of service and commitment to upholding equality for all communities.
During the program, CAIR-LA recognized key activists in the community making positive social changes in their local communities and presented them with the “Champion of Social Justice” award. Among the honorees were, Omnia Abdallah, Sumeria Khan and the Islamic Center of Simi Valley.
Later in the evening, Executive Director HussamAyloush expounded on the importance of CAIR's work in protecting civil liberties, challenging bigotry, and enhancing the understanding of Islam in America.
Ayloush's speech was followed by a viewing of CAIR-LA’s Annual Video.
Imam Zaid Shakir, a world-renowned American Muslim scholar and the co-founder of Zaytuna College, delivered an earnest keynote address in which he underscored the value of CAIR's work in empowering American Muslims and inspired them to continue to support civil rights advocacy work by donating generously.
Lastly, comedian Preacher Moss ended the night on a light note with his witty performance exploring hot-button topics like politics, race, religion, and diversity in America.
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