By: Wali Khan, Senior at the Ohio State University
(CLEVELAND, OH – 6/20/2023) – On Saturday, June 3rd, the Cleveland and Northern Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) attended Masjid Bilal’s 40th anniversary commemorating its construction in 1983. Masjid Bilal represents the first mosque to be designed and built in the United States by an African American community.
The anniversary was celebrated with a proclamation from the City of Cleveland, presented by the current councilwoman for Ward 7, Stephanie Howse, in which the City acknowledges the historic development of the mosque and establishes support for future endeavors.
“Masjid Bilal has served as a good sounding board for the diverse Muslims in Cleveland for CAIR and has always uplifted the work we do in civil rights and helping empower our Muslim community. I hope we will continue to strengthen our relationship, InshAllah.” … “I felt so humbled to be one of the guest speakers at this historically significant masjid where renowned names such as Imam W. D. Mohammad exist,” said Faten Odeh, Interim Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of CAIR-Ohio.
The leaders of Masjid Bilal’s community were also recognized for their support, receiving certificates of appreciation in acknowledgement of their dedication. Included within these leaders was Senior Imam Shafeek Sabir as well as Imam Ivan Nassar and Imam Ahmed Saeed. All three were acknowledged for their roles as founding members of Masjid Bilal and celebrated as current Imams. Also recognized were community trailblazers Brenda Shakoor, and Justine Parker. Both Shakoor and Parker are founding members for the Clyde Rahman Community Center, a nonprofit focused on providing healthcare for the elderly African American community. Omar Qadir, a longtime community member for over 50 years, was acknowledged for his dedication as the chief photographer and as a member of security. Mabel Mohammed, a matriarch, and member of the community for over 50 years, was also recognized for her dedication to supporting the women in the community. A special recognition was accepted on behalf of the family of Nina Mohammed, who unfortunately passed away on the day of the anniversary. Nina Mohammed was a long-time advocate for the community, organizing and cooking large events held by the Mosque and serving as an inspiration for all members of Masjid Bilal.
Masjid Bilal is also home to the Salaam Clinic, which provides free healthcare services to uninsured and underprivileged children and adults in Northeast Ohio.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Interim Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-830-2247