(CLEVELAND, OH – 4/7/25) – On April 3, CAIR-Ohio, along with the Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community (CPAC) hosted the first workshop of a three-part SWANA and Black Racial Justice & Equity Training workshop series at Beit Hanina Cultural Center (BHCC).
The workshop was facilitated by Imam Abudlrahman Justin Wood, an American Imam, Speaker, and Leader born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He accepted Islam at age 17 after studying the life of Malcolm X and researching religion and philosophy. To gain a deeper understanding of Arabic and Islamic sciences, he traveled to Makkah, Saudi Arabia and completed an American Imam certificate course. Upon returning to the United States, he focused on helping young American Muslims embrace the relevance and practicality of Islam, establishing and supporting youth initiatives in multiple communities. He also serves as Ameer of AlMaghrib’s Columbus, Ohio.
The primary goal of the workshop series is to deepen understanding of the intersections of race, power, privilege, supremacy, and oppression in the Cleveland Muslim community. Through this three-part workshop, CAIR-Ohio’s Cleveland Chapter and the Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community will bring guest speakers and educators to explore what it means to be one Ummah and how understanding power, privilege, and difference can bring us closer together in authentic relationships. The series aims to challenge participants while fostering greater awareness, compassion, and engagement in pursuing racial equity.
More than 30 community members from diverse backgrounds gathered together and shared their stories of experiencing racism for the first time, including Sabrina Roberts, Senior Advisor to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne.
Executive Director Faten Odeh of CAIR-Cleveland and Northern Ohio said:
“We know as Muslims that racism is wrong but that doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent in our community as we are not immune to the social ills that has affected society. We are thankful for the grant from NeighborhoodUp that is allowing us to bring together our community to tackle this issue you. We are also thankful to Speedys Grub Shack for providing the dinner and for the Beit Hanina Cultural Center for providing the venue.”
The next session will be held on Thurs. April 10th at Urban Community School. To sign up please click below:
REGISTRATION LINK
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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-OH Executive Director, Cleveland & Northern Ohio, Faten Odeh (216) 440-2247, fodeh@cair.com