(COLUMBUS, OHIO 11/10/2021) — On Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) held its 24th annual banquet at the Ohio Union in Columbus, Ohio. The annual banquet is an opportunity for staff to address hundreds of attendees including supporters, business leaders, elected officials, and representatives of mosques and community organizations to update them on the work CAIR-Ohio does, highlighting the challenges and victories of the past year, and sharing its plans for further community empowerment and civic engagement.
Over 500 community members attended Sunday’s banquet. This year’s theme was “Inspired by Faith, Leading by Service,” which featured Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib as keynote speaker, athlete Noor Abukaram, internationally acclaimed spoken word poet Amal Kassir, and CAIR-Chicago’s Executive Director, Ahmed Rehab.
The evening also featured Community Empowerment Awards for individuals who have made significant contributions through their community service from youth leadership development and civic engagement, religious and educational services, to economic empowerment. Awardees included Dr. Sondos Al Asad, Dr. Ayaz Hyder, Dr. Salman Ashraf, and Angie Plummer.
Elected officials including U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Mayor Ginther, and Congressman Troy Balderson, as well as the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, and the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus submitted proclamations in recognition of CAIR-Ohio’s work.
Columbus City Council Member Shayla Favor attended and presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Columbus and Hilliard City Council Member Cynthia Vermillion was there to present a proclamation on behalf of the City of Hilliard.
Those who were not able to attend the dinner can still help uphold and protect the civil rights of Ohio Muslims by supporting CAIR-Ohio. Click here to donate.
View pictures from the banquet here.
