CAIR-NY Rep Takes Part in Forum on Race, Religion and Politics

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CAIR-NY Rep Takes Part in Forum on Race, Religion and Politics

(NEW YORK, NY, 8/15/08) "A representative of the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) yesterday participated in a panel discussion entitled "Race, Religion and Politics: The New Political Landscape" at New York University.

The panel discussion, which included CAIR-NY Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali, Shabazz Center Board Member Dr. Amir Al-Islam and President of the NY office of the NAACP Hazel Dukes, aimed to educate community members about the importance of grassroots activism and coalition-building for minority groups in the backdrop of the elections process.

“Since the onset of the presidential election, religion and race have been repeatedly used as a tool for political gain by candidates and their surrogates alike� said Community Affairs Director Faiza N. Ali. “Coalition-building will assure that our voices are politically relevant even after the ballots are casted.�

CAIR-NY and chapters nationwide continue to encourage political participation of American Muslims through voter registration drives, civic participation trainings and educational forums.

To volunteer in CAIR-NY’s political empowerment campaign, contact fali@cair.com.

CAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties 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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