(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 11/3/22) – On Saturday, October 29, the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) held its 25th Annual Columbus Banquet at the Ohio Union at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
The CAIR-Ohio 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 has accomplished in the past year. The theme this year was “Protecting Our Faith & Democracy.”
More than 500 community members attended Saturday’s banquet with keynote speaker Ilhan Omar, U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Adam Soltani, Executive Director of CAIR Oklahoma was the motivational speaker, and the event was emceed by local community leader, Alauddin Alauddin.
The evening highlighted individuals who have made significant contributions through their community service with a “Community Empowerment Award.” The “Hero Award” was also presented to a group of students and is meant to recognize individuals who transformed a personal challenge into meaningful change for all Ohioans. More information on the awardees and their bios can be found here.
Proclamations and commendations were submitted by several governmental agencies and elected officials including:
- U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown
- U.S. Senator Rob Portman
- U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty
- City of Columbus – Mayor Ginther
- Columbus City Council
- Hilliard City Council
- Ohio Senate: Leader Kenny Yuko, Senator Hearcel Craig, Senator Tina Maharath, Senator Stephanie Kunze
- Ohio House: Leader Allison Russo, Representative David Leland
- Franklin County Board of Commissioners
The following individuals were in attendance and presented commendations and remarks:
- Leonard Hubert, Central Ohio District Director on behalf of U.S. Senator Rob Portman
- Abdikhayr Soofe, the New American Initiative Coordinator for the City of Columbus on behalf of Mayor Ginther
- Council President Shannon Harding on behalf of the Columbus City Council
- Council Member Cynthia Vermillion on behalf of the Hilliard City Council
- Ohio State Senator Hearcel Craig of District 15
- Ben Leland, Community Leader on behalf of Ohio Representative David Leland of District 22
Photos will be shared on our Facebook | Instagram soon.
Those who were not able to attend the banquet still can help us in protecting the civil rights of Ohio Muslims and strengthening our democracy by supporting CAIR-Ohio. Click here to donate.
