Category: February

(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 

(COLUMBUS, OH – 2/14/24) – On Saturday, February 11, the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) hosted its second annual Masajid Retreat at the CAIR-Ohio Columbus office. Over 35 masajid leaders from across Ohio convened to strategize and strengthen their collective influence, aiming to empower Muslim communities throughout the state. 

CAIR-Ohio’s Executive Director Amina Barhumi facilitated the event with discussions on effective strategies to amplify community voices amidst the prevailing challenges of increased Islamophobia in our communities and across the nation. The retreat provided a valuable platform for masajid leaders to share their experiences, fostering collaboration and enhancing relationships within the Muslim community, thus reinforcing our network.  

In collaboration with Oaktree Institute, CAIR-Ohio continued its commitment to empowering communities by providing Fund-Development Training during the retreat. This specialized training, facilitated by Nadeem Riaz, equipped masajid leaders with insightful tactics for successful fundraising efforts during Ramadan. The session aimed to enhance their outreach initiatives and broaden funding opportunities, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and growth of their respective institutions. 

“CAIR-Ohio remains dedicated to fostering resilience within Muslim communities and addressing the challenges they face,” said CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox. “The Masajid Retreat stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to empowering leaders, building networks, and ensuring the continued growth and strength of Ohio’s Muslim communities.” 

For more information on how to join the CAIR-Ohio Masajid Network, contact CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox vhickcox@cair.com | 513-906-5728. 

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 

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/14/24) – On Thursday, February 9, more than 100 Muslims from across Ohio gathered at the Statehouse for Muslim Advocacy Day, to meet with over 20 legislative offices during CAIR-Ohio’s 5th Annual Muslim Advocacy Day event focusing on bills related to religious accommodation, addressing the pay gap, and protecting Ohio schools from extremist curriculum.

This year, CAIR-Ohio teamed up with MAS-Columbus, and partners: American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Toledo, Abubakar Assidiq Islamic Center, Ahlul Bayt Society of Columbus, Islamic Center of Mason Learning Academy, Islamic Center of Centerville, Somali Islamic Centers of Ohio, Noor Islamic Cultural Center, Islamic Society of Greater Dayton, Islamic Council of Dayton, and Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati.

Ohio Representative Munira Abdullahi (OH – D9) welcomed attendees to the Statehouse and introduced CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Amina Barhumi who discussed “our power” as a collective and transforming data into action. Ameer Abdulrahman, a policy advisor and General Secretary at Muslim Americans in Public Service (MAPS), led a dynamic session on legislative advocacy, equipping attendees with the tools to amplify their voices effectively. 

The highlight of the day came with the electrifying presence of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, whose impassioned speech underscored the vital role of Muslim civic engagement in combating injustice at all levels of government. 
 
Attendees then ate lunch and split into groups to meet with different legislative offices from all over the state to advocate on the following bills:  

Support: SB 49 – Religious Expression Days “R.E.D.” Act  

Support: HB 115 – Equal Pay Act 

Oppose: HB 103 – Establish the Ohio Social Studies Standards Task Force to develop new social studies academic standards 

Reflecting on the event’s significance, CAIR-Ohio Outreach Director Victoria Hickcox emphasized, “This advocacy day is just the beginning. It’s a stepping stone for Muslim community members to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, empowering them to advocate on a myriad of issues and build upon this momentum.” 

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 

(COLUMBUS, OHIO 2/28/2022) — The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) today welcomed the signing of Senate Bill 181 into law by Gov. Mike DeWine. The new law will protect students’ right to wear hijab in school sports and extracurricular activities. Read More “CAIR-Ohio Welcomes New Ohio Law Protecting the Right to Wear Hijab in School Sports ” →

Today, an important development in the murder of Imam Mohamed Hassan Adam was shared by his family and local law enforcement. A Columbus man has been arrested and charged with murder.

Since December, we have been searching for answers and fighting for justice. We hope this arrest leads to a conviction and is a step towards achieving some sense of justice for the profound loss this family and our community have endured.

Our mission to achieve justice has not wavered and will never waver – questions remain about why Imam Mohamed was targeted and who else, if anyone, was involved. Law enforcement have stated they believe others were involved. We still need answers.

We continue to stand united with the family of Imam Mohamed and all who were – and continue to be – impacted by his service and life.

Ramadan is quickly approaching and many Muslims may need accommodations at work, school, and elsewhere as we fast and worship throughout the holy month.

CAIR-Ohio has resources available to help you inform others about Ramadan and request accommodations from employers or educators, including template Ramadan/Eid emails for K-12 and college students.

Find Ramadan Resources here.

For questions, contact CAIR-Ohio Staff Attorney Maryam Abidi: mabidi@cair.com | 614-401-6692.

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/1/2022) – The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) welcomes Black History Month with a new series spotlighting notable Black Muslims in America on CAIR-Ohio platforms throughout the month of February.   Read More “Enduring Legacy: Black Muslims in America” →

(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 2/2/2022) On Tuesday, Feb. 1, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and 82 other American Muslim organizations sent a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging it to investigate the actions of The Investigative Project on Terrorism (IPT), an anti-Muslim hate group founded by Steven Emerson, who has been described as an “anti-Muslim activist” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.  Read More “CAIR, 80+ U.S. Muslim Groups Call on DOJ to Investigate Anti-Muslim Hate Group’s Spying” →