CAIR-Ohio Hosts Imam Dawud Walid to Speak on Black Liberation x Palestine Event in Honor of Black History Month

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/15/24) – On Tuesday, February 13, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio), in collaboration with the Muslim American Society Columbus (MAS Columbus), hosted a Black Liberation educational event for the community.  The event aimed to shed light on the ongoing struggles for liberation and justice faced by Black and Brown communities, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Malcolm X as a revolutionary figure and a devoted Muslim. 

Imam Dawud Walid, Executive Director of CAIR-Michigan and author of the book “Blackness and Islam,” was the speaker of the event. Imam Dawud brought valuable insights into the intersections of race, religion, and activism, guiding attendees through an exploration of Malcolm X’s profound impact as a civil and human rights activist for Black Americans in the United States.  

Participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups engaged in discussions about the systemic challenges for Black Americans, delving into the parallels between their struggles and the injustices faced by the Palestinian people in Palestine. These connections highlighted the shared experiences of oppression and the need for solidarity across communities. 

Malcolm X, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, stated, “True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.” 

“The event served as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and collective action, empowering attendees to confront systemic injustices,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization, with three offices in Ohio – Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. The organization is dedicated to enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.    

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi: abarhumi@cair.com | 614-763-6557