Muslim Women of America

The historical National Legislative Summit 2009 weekend was a huge success beginning with the opening reception on Saturday which introduced Summit organizers Khadijah Muhammad and Khadijah Shareef both of Indianapolis, IN. 

Check in and networking was a key component of the formation of the event.  The networking was so enjoyable that the sisters had to be encouraged to end that aspect in order for the major event to begin.

Khadijah Muhammad opened the event, welcoming sisters from a total of eleven states and various cities within those states.  Sisters came with enthusiasm, questions, a desire to share what they are doing in their home cities, a need for diversity at its highest levels, and just a need to be a part of history and civic engagement on a national level.  By the closing of the event, all of these interest levels were achieved.

In accordance with our faith tradition and desire to keep Allah (SWA) uppermost in our event;   ayats from the Holy Qur’an were recited by Hakim Sabree, of Brooklyn, NY.

The opening reception which highlighted a buffet of assorted Mexican dishes in a beautiful décor of red, white and blue to include a United States flag.   Prior to the introduction of Congressman Ellison, Khadijah Muhammad led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to take the oath of office as a Congressman welcomed the sisters to Capitol Hill.  During his welcome he spoke about the first time he was invited by the co-founders to sponsor this event.  His skepticism was extremely apparent because as he said, “I have been approached by many in our community, and nothing happens”.  He complimented the sisters on their follow through and ability to produce and assured those in attendance of his continued support.

During his candid talk with the sisters in Congressman Ellison discussed the possible opportunities for Muslims to become engaged in the framework of America by preparing ourselves, having vision and determination to complete the task and remaining engaged at all levels.

A welcome from Washington D. C. Mayor Fintey was delivered by Mr. Ted Sweet, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Offender Re-entry.

Imam Plemon T. El-Amin, Resident Imam of Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam gave encouraging words to all in attendance.  He also spoke to the conditions within the Islamic communities as it relates to the awareness and appreciation of the roles that sisters can actualize if given the opportunity.  He stated that he would commit to assisting us in removing some of the barriers that might have prevented our participation in the past from impeding our involvement in the future.

Jumah on Capitol Hill:  this event took place on Friday prior to our opening reception and some of the sisters that were in the area attended; including summit organizers  “the Khadijahs” as they were affectionately referred to during the summit’s week-end.  The khateeb, Abdul Malik, who delivered that historic Jumah khutbah, to an audience of thousands and was covered live by CNN also came to the MWA reception and greeted the sisters.  He too spoke of the role of women in Islam and congratulated the sisters for taking the monumental steps that he witnessed at this event.

Islamic Social Services of America, Peaceful Families Project, CAIR-National, International League of Muslim Women, ICNA, Muslim Women United, Islamic Relief and Sisters In Islam were among the organizations in attendance and had an opportunity to give an overview of the services they provide to the audience.  Their services ranged from housing, ESL classes, food distribution, daycare services, premarital counseling as well as other social services being made available to the community at large registered and set up tables where they distributed information regarding their service area to the sisters.

The evening concluded with Khadijah Muhammad affording these sisters an opportunity to engage in a brief oral survey where they were asked to give a one word impression of the evening.  Adjectives such as:  empowering, enlightening, overwhelming, and powerful were just a few of the responses heard from those in attendance.  The evening ended with Brother Sabree reciting Suraltul Asr.

We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sisters from the American Muslim Women’s UAE 2008 class for servicing as the most gracious hostesses for Saturday evening  activities.

Sunday morning featured MWA’s Platform Agenda. Our platform agenda topics of Economics, Education, Health Civil & Human Rights and Foreign Policy were presented to attendees.  The various presenters were passionate, informative and insightful in their presentations.

Mrs. Mariama Carson, Principal at Snacks Crossing Elementary School of Indianapolis, IN presented an overview of the importance of our involvement in legislation and participation in the advocacy for equal access to quality education for all American children. Mrs. Carson spoke to the diversity shift in her school district and most public school systems across America. Statistics were presented that supported the need for stronger advocacy for the nations’ children. There was also focus on the need for increased grassroots involvement with local PTA organizations, school boards and city councils.

Economics item was made easy and simple by Tayyibah Taylor of Atlanta, GA editor of Azizah Magazine. Ms. Taylor gave an overview of why we should support the creation and support for small businesses. Economically speaking, Ms Taylor emphasized the need to support not only small businesses, but Muslim businesses as well, she expounded on the need for organizations such as MWA to keep the voice of Muslim women on the frontline.

Aurora Gallegos hailing from the “Golden State” of California. Mrs. Gallegos also represented an organization of Los Angeles Latino Muslim Association. While bringing the issue of healthcare to the forefront, much discussion was generated around the current debate. MWA concluded that healthcare would be the major focus of the Capitol Hill visits.

Civil and Human Rights was the topic of presentation from Mr. Ibrahim Ramey, MAS Freedom Foundation Civil and Human Rights Director. Mr. Ramey’s insightful and experienced presentation gave the attendees an in-depth look into the vast amount of advocacy needed in the cause of Human and Civil rights. He also expressed his great appreciation to be included with his Muslim American sisters.

 MWA is a national organization focused on civic participation in the USA, as believers we must not neglect the involvement of America in foreign lands, thus the need to also include a foreign policy agenda. Ms. Tahanie Aboushi of Syracuse, NY and Ms. Fitra Muhammad of Washington, DC. gave passionate and first hand presentations on Palestine and Darfur. Both giving information relative to the U.S. policy regarding each country. Erica Aisha Chavez of Portland, OR presented on a legislative agenda item before the Orgeon legislature that would ban religious headwear for teachers in public schools, and the possible impact of such legislation nationally if passed.

Sunday afternoon consisted of our Legislative training and certification by Mr. Corey Saylor of CAIR – National. Attendees were given an overview of the branches of government and how they work and relate to each other. Mr. Saylor ensured that the attendees were well prepared for the Capitol Hill visits. This training was found to be invaluable and will continue to be a pre-requisite for all MWA Legislative programs.