CAIR-Cleveland

CAIR-Cleveland Joins Call for City Hall Accountability in Needed Police Reforms

Posted by: cairclev Tags: Civil Rights, Justice for Tamir Rice, Police Accountability, Police Reform, Tamir Rice | Categories: Event, News

December
8

Muslim civil rights group calls on people of all faiths to join rally tonight outside Cleveland City Hall

(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/8/14) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today joined the call by religious leaders to attend a peaceful rally outside Cleveland City Hall this evening to push for police reforms.

CAIR-Cleveland is also calling on all people of conscience to join with the New Abolitionist Association of the Children’s Defense Fund to attend tonight’s Cleveland City Council meeting after the rally to demand accountability on the part of City Council in implementing needed reforms to the Cleveland Division of Police.

CAIR-Cleveland to Join Rights Activists at Community Forum on Police Shootings

Posted by: cairclev Tags: 137 shots, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Cleveland Police, Greater Cleveland Civil and Human Rights Coalition, police shootings, Racism, Tamir Rice | Categories: Event, News

December
1

Muslim group representatives to attend funeral for 12-year-old police shooting victim

(CLEVELAND, OH, 12/1/14) — On Saturday, December 6, the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) will join with local and national civil and human rights groups to co-host a forum on police shootings in the wake of the fatal shooting by police of Tamir Rice, a 12-year-old boy, who was playing with a soft-pellet gun outside a local recreation center in that city.

SEE: Tamir Rice Weighs Heavily on Second Anniversary of Deadly Cleveland Police Chase
Video Shows Cleveland Officer Shooting 12-Year-Old Tamir Rice Within Seconds
The Funeral Service for Tamir Rice is Wednesday

WHAT: Forum on Police Shootings & Community Response
WHEN: Saturday, December 6, 2014, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Cleveland Public Library, MLK, Jr. Branch, 1962 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio 44106
CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson, 216.830.2247, jshearson@cair.com

[MEDIA NOTE: On Wednesday, December 3, representatives of CAIR-Cleveland will attend the funeral of Tamir Rice to be held 11 a.m. at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 7510 Woodland Avenue, in Cleveland.]

“The purpose of these community-based initiatives is to bring together diverse civil and human rights leaders and organizations to form a more united front to work on social justice issues, including the excessive use of force by police,” said CAIR-Cleveland Events Coordinator Aiesha Siddiq.

CAIR-Ohio Urges Oberlin College to Investigate Anti-Muslim Arabic Lecturer

Posted by: cairclev Tags: Anti-Arab Instuctor, Anti-Islam, Anti-Muslim, Oberlin, Samir Amin Abdellatif | Categories: News

April
1

(CLEVELAND, OH – 4/1/14) — The Cleveland chapter of the Council on Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) today expressed concern about a lecturer in the Arabic language department at Oberlin College, Dr. Samir Amin Abdellatif, who openly promotes anti-Muslim bigotry and crude stereotypes of Muslims in his writings and on campus.

CAIR-Cleveland requested that the college “investigate the matter and take appropriate action based on the results of that investigation.”

CAIR-Cleveland: 500+ Join Multi-Faith Effort to End Violence Against Women

Posted by: cairclev Tags: domestic violence, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Non-Violence Week, Old Stone Church, violence against women, women faith leaders, women of faith, Women of Faith Voices Against Violence, women's rights | Categories: Event, News

September
23

(CLEVELAND, OH, 9/23/2013) — Some 500 people participated in a multi-faith program and walk around Public Square in downtown Cleveland Sunday to raise awareness about rampant violence against women in the local community and society at large.

At the event, a diverse group of women faith leaders from around the region called on the dozens of public officials and political candidates in attendance to sign a pledge of accountability to help end violence against women and children.

The event was timed to raise awareness in the run up to October’s national Domestic Violence Awareness month and Nonviolence Week, the first full week in October as designated in Ohio by Senate Bill 38 and signed into law by Governor John Kasich.

SEE: Women speak out against violence at Old Stone Church in downtown Cleveland

“Our goal as women of faith was to help raise awareness and call for divine help to empower our community to stand against the scourge of violence in Cleveland and beyond,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson who helped co-organize the event along with more than 40 women clergy and lay leaders from diverse faiths in the greater Cleveland area.

CAIR-Ohio Rep Joins Cleveland City Hall Panel on Race Relations

Posted by: cairclev Tags: Cleveland City Hall, Cleveland Community Relations Board, diversity, honest conversation on race, Panel on Race, Race Relations, Racism | Categories: Event, News

August
31

(CLEVELAND, OH – 8/31/12) – A representative of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) recently spoke as part of a panel on race relations hosted by the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Community Relations Board.

The panel, which was held in the City Hall Rotunda on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, included a diverse panel that presented an array of perspectives on the subjects of race, ethnicity, and diversity. Panelists included Peggy Zone Fisher, CEO of the Diversity Center; Dr. Ronnie Dunn, a professor and expert on racial profiling from Cleveland State University; Julia A. Shearson of the Council on American-Islamic Relations; Phyllis Davis of the LGBT Center; Judge Annette Butler; Pastor Max Rodas; and Ben King Stewart, a student at John Adams High.

The panelists discussed the state of race relations in the Cleveland area as well as trends across the country. The panelists pointed to entrenched structural inequities that continue to perpetuate race and class divides, but they also applauded strides that have been made to help improve inter-racial relations on the personal level. The youth panelist discussed how different generations view race and diversity. The panel was moderated by Casey Greer of Heights Community Congress, who challenged the audience and the panelists to present ideas for building better understanding across diverse communities.

“This forum was an excellent opportunity to start an honest conversation on race relations in our region.” CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson said. “It was also a chance to explore ways to confront past wrongs, to address today’s challenges, and to embrace a shared future in terms of building a truly pluralistic society where diversity is always an asset, never a liability.”

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Communications Coordinator Hanna Tyler, 614.451.3232, E-Mail: htyler@cair.com.

CAIR-CLEVELAND REP SPEAKS ON WOMEN IN ISLAM AT ISLAMIC CENTER OF CLEVELAND

Posted by: cairclev Tags: CAIR-Cleveland, Islamic Center of Cleveland, New Muslim Support Network, Women in Islam, Women's Rights in Islam | Categories: Event, News

May
31

(CLEVELAND, OH, 5/31/2012) – A representative of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter recently spoke to members of the New Muslim Support Network during their weekly meeting at the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

CAIR Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson presented a talk on women in Islam with a focus on the role of women in Islam as revealed in the Quran and Sunnah. Past presentations offered by CAIR to the New Muslim Support Network include “Challenging Islamophobia” and “Profiling Islam: Faith Under Surveillance”.

CAIR offers a number of seminars and talks on a variety of topics. To arrange a speaking event or for information about CAIR speakers, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216-830-2247 or 216-440-2247.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy group has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CAIR-CLEVELAND REP ADDRESSES MUSLIM YOUTH CONFERENCE

Posted by: cairclev Tags: AMYL Council, CAIR-Cleveland, Muslim Youth Conference | Categories: Event, News

May
31

(CLEVELAND, OH, 5/31/2012) – A representative of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter recently spoke at the American Muslim Youth Leadership (AMYL) Council’s first annual convention in Orlando, Florida over the Memorial Day weekend.

The convention entitled, “Indeed You Have the Best of Manners” focused on Islamic perspectives for empowering youth and building tomorrow’s future leaders. CAIR Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson spoke on a variety of topics including Challenging Islamophobia; Building the Next Generation of Muslim Leaders; Women’s Rights in Islam; Role Models for Muslim Youth, etc.

CAIR offers a number of presentations on a variety of topics. To arrange a speaking event or for information about CAIR speakers, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216-830-2247 or 216-440-2247.

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CAIR-OHIO OFFERS FORUM ON CHALLENGING ISLAMOPHOBIA

Posted by: cairclev Tags: CAIR-Cleveland, Challenging Islamophobia, John Carroll University | Categories: Event, News

April
24

(CLEVELAND, OH, 4/24/2012) – The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations recently presented a workshop on Challenging Islamophobia for students at John Carroll University.

The workshop provided a brief overview Islamophobia, including the definition and key components; understanding the history and root causes; current manifestations on the Internet and in the public sphere; consequences of hate and bigotry; and how Islamophobia is promoted by religious figures, media pundits, politicians, and so-called “terrorism experts.” The workshop also offered practical steps and resources for reaching out to the Muslim community and challenging Islamophobia.

“Religious intolerance has a negative impact on communities” said Julia A. Shearson, executive director of CAIR-Cleveland. “The workshop on Challenging Islamophobia is designed to raise awareness about anti-Muslim bigotry and provide resources to counter intolerance by building mutual understanding and fostering inclusion.”

For more information or to arrange a workshop, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216-830-2247 or 216-440-2247.

CAIR is America’s largest Islamic civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CAIR-CLEVELAND OFFERS SEMINAR AT HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE

Posted by: cairclev Tags: Cultural Competency Training, End of Life Care, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Muslim Perspectives on Death and Dying, Spiritual Care Volunteers, Understanding Islam and Muslims | Categories: Event, News

February
2

(CLEVELAND, OH, 2/2/2012) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Cleveland Chapter offered a training session today for spiritual care providers at the Hospice of the Western Reserve.

The seminar entitled Optimizing Care for Patients and Clients provided a basic understanding of Islam and Muslims as well as details for interacting with Muslim patients and families in the hospice setting. The seminar covered issues such as the basic beliefs and practices; Islamic views on illness and death; palliative care for the Muslim patient; religious rituals; end of life issues; burial practices; organ donation, etc.

CAIR offers a number of presentations for healthcare practitioners. To arrange an in-service or for information about CAIR speakers, contact CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson, jshearson@cair.com, 216.830.2247 or 216.440.2247.

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CAIR-Ohio Rep Addresses the Erosion of Civil Liberties in the Post 9/11 Era

Posted by: cairclev Tags: Civil Rights, erosion of civil liberties, Islamic Center of Cleveland, Profiling Islam: Faith Under Surveillance | Categories: Event, KYR, News

January
31

(CLEVELAND, OH – 1/31/12) – A representative of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) gave a presentation on the erosion of civil liberties and targeting of Muslims in the post 9/11 area during the weekly meeting of the New Muslim Support Network at the Islamic Center of Cleveland.

The talk, entitled Profiling Islam: Faith Under Surveillance, offered an in-depth look at various national security policies that have undermined civil liberties and dramatically increased racial, religious, and ethnic profiling in America. Presented by Julia Shearson, executive director of CAIR-Cleveland, the talk showed how the federal government’s ineffective, misguided and costly dragnet approach to national security makes us less safe and less free.

“Government policies that promote profiling and erode civil liberties are out of line with core American values and are counterproductive to national security.” CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia A. Shearson said. “Such ineffective policies should be realigned with constitutional norms or they should be dismantled.”

CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Communications Coordinator Hanna Tyler, 614-451-3232, E-Mail: htyler@cair.com.