Saluting 400 Years of Muslim Service to America...Saluting 400 Years of Muslim Service to America SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2017 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM DIYANET TURKISH CULTURAL CENTER OF

The Academy of Muslim Achievement

Saluting 400 Years of Muslim Service to America

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 20176:00 PM – 11:00 PM

DIYANET TURKISH CULTURAL CENTER OF AMERICA9704 Good Luck Road

Lanham, md 20706

In the Name of God, The Compassionate, The Merciful ALL DULLES AREA MUSLIM SOCIETY(ADAMS) 46903 Sugarland Road, STERLING VA 20164.

FAITH, SERVICE, PEACE TEL: (703)-433-1325 FAX: 571-434-8611 WWW.ADAMSCENTER.ORG

ADAMS, one of the largest Muslim communities/mosques in the DC area and in the USA, serves over 6000 families with 11 branches in Virginia/DC: Ashburn, Crystal City, Fairfax, Greater Gainesville, North Reston, South Riding, Sterling/Herndon, Sully/Chantilly, Tysons Corner and Washington DC. With a 13-member democratically elected Board of Trustees (of both men and women), ADAMS provides religious, education and social services to several thousand people a week. ADAMS engages in regular interfaith, government relations, social and community service, and has one of the largest Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs in the DC Metro area. ADAMS offers 25 Friday Prayers at 11 Locations every week, and our Eid Prayers bring 20,000+ people to 6 Eid Holiday Locations. ADAMS Compassionate Healthcare Network (ACHN) Clinic serves uninsured and other patients 5 days each week, with specialist care also available from our network doctors.

The All Dulles Area Muslim Society(ADAMS)

Recognizes

The American Muslim Community’s

over 400 Years

of Achievement, Leadership, and Contribution to the

United States of America





Recognizes


over 400 Years







Recognizes


over 400 Years







Recognizes


over 400 Years



Table of ContentsGala Programme .......................................................................................................5-8

Category Criteria ..................................................................................................10-11

Acknowledgements ..............................................................................................12-13

Honoree Bios ........................................................................................................14-22

#MuslimOscars

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1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW ~ Washington, DC 20004 ~ Suite 404 (202) 724.8064 -office; (202) 724.8071-fax; www.dccouncil.us; [email protected]

COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS

Congratulations to the Academy of Muslim Achievement on Hosting the 3rd Golden Minaret Awards

January 21, 2017

I am pleased to extend congratulations to The Academy of Muslim Achievement on hosting the 3rd Golden Minaret Awards saluting over 400 years of Muslim service.

The Muslim community is a valued and vibrant segment of our wonderfully diverse District of Columbia. The work that our Muslim community does varies through numerous areas such as law, health care, philanthropy, and much more. I applaud you for your commitment and unwavering support to the development of our Muslim community which includes all races, ethnicities, and genders. I encourage you to continue the great work.

Special thanks to The Academy of Muslim Achievements, staff, assistants, volunteers, and contributors who have worked together tirelessly to ensure tonight’s Golden Minaret Awards.

Sincerely,

Anita Bonds, Councilmember At-Large

Half past Seven O’Clock – Seating for Award Show

Eight O’Clock - Golden Minaret Awards Show

Welcome from the Academy of Muslim Achievement & Introduction of the MCsTalib I. Karim, Esq. - Co-Founder & CEO, Academy of Muslim Achievement

Master & Mistress of CeremoniesPreacher Moss, Comic, Allah Made me Funny

Rabia Ahmed, Director of Media & Public Affairs, MPAC

Opening Prayer, InvocationImam Abdul Karim Finneh of the Avondale Islamic Center of Maryland

Qu’ranic Recitation (Surah 14, Yusuf)Adams Center School Students

Recognition of Academy of Muslim Achievement Team & PartnersNisa Muhammad, Co-Founder, Academy of Muslim Achievement

Recognition of Academy of Muslim Achievement JudgesRaheemah Abdulaleem, Esq., Associate General Counsel, White House,

Office of Administration, Executive Office of the President

Reflection of 400 Years of Muslim Service to America by Baba Ahmed Kenya

Recognition of Golden Minaret Award Honorees

Abu Talib Ally Award Presented by Alex Kronemer and Lubna “Luby” Ismail

Nominees: Reverend Fletcher Harper-Green Faith,

Kitty Ufford-Chase and Rick Ufford-Chase-Stony Point Center, Tracey Nicholson-Hyattsville City Administrator, and Senator Bernie Sanders

2017 Golden Minaret Awards

Gala Programme

#MuslimOscars

Six O’ClockREGISTRATION OPEN AND PRE-AWARD RECEPTION & BAZAAR

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Public Servant of the Year Award Presented by Hon. Sharif Street, Pennsylvania State Senate, and Hon. Jim Rosapepe, Maryland State Senate

Nominees: Nana Firman, CA; Sylvester Johnson, PA; Illhan Omar, MN; and

Judge Fatima El Amin, GA

Educator of the Year Award Presented by Imam Shadeed Muhammad and Rizwan Jaka, ADAMS Center

Nominees: Al-Huda School and Al-Huda Quran Academy, MD;

Abeda Khanam, NY; and Jameelah Malik, MD

Social Service Provider of the Year Award Presented by Hujrah Wahhaj, CPS-Wh and Mansoor Sabree, IMAN-GA

Nominees: Abdur-Rahim Muhammad-Islamic Cultural Preservation, PA;

Robina Niaz-Turning Points for Women, NY; Imam Hassan Amin, Muslim Social Services Agency, MD; and

Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Dar Hijrah, VA

Judge Adam A. Shakoor Lawyer of the Year Award Presented by Saleem Safdar, Esq. and Dr. Zainab Chaudry

Nominees: Damani K. Ingram, MD; Omar T. Mohammedi, NY; Aisha Rahman, DC; and

Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo, NY

Healthcare Provider of the Year Award Presented by Dr. Maqsoud Chaudhry, DDS and Dr. Wasif Qureshi, MD

Nominees: Dr. Rashid A. Chotani, MD, MPH, MD; Rahma Clinic, NY; and

Dr. Nisha Abdul Cader, Dr. Rushdi Abdul Cader, Dr. Mansur Khan, Raziya Shaikh, Ph.D, Dr. Khaliq Siddiq, Aisha Siddiq, Dr. Altaf Kazi,

Dr. Charles Sadler, Dr. Rumi Abdul Cader, Fatima Mtume, MPH, Yasser Aman, MPH, Co-Founders of the Umma Clinic, CA

Performance by Ieasha Prime

Executive of the Year Award Presented by Kasey Mateen, Universal Mortuary & Flowers and Mohammad Khokar, HEV Plus

Nominees: Zakariyya Abdur Rahman, PA; Jameel Johnson, MD; Omar Karim, MD; and

Anas Andy Shallal, DC

2017 Golden Minaret AwardsGala Programme Cont’d

#MuslimOscars

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Philanthropist/Charity of the Year Award Presented by Tajuddin Sabree, Sabree, Inc. & Karen Toles, Prince George’s County Council

Nominees: IMAN, IL; Asma Hanif, Muslimat Al Nisaa, MD; and Hira Syeda, GA.

Media Outlet of the Year Award Presented by Askia Muhammad, WPFW-FM, and Baura, Zia, Emerge USA

Nominees: Sapelo Square, The Young Turks Network, and Unity Productions

Fashion Designer of the Year Award Presented by Ieasha Prime, Barakah, Inc. and Baqiyah Adam, Mali Rose Designs, 2014 GMA Fashion Designer of the Year

Nominees: Kenya Abdul Hadi-Miskeen Original, PA; Lia Wear Active, DE;

Aisha Abdul Mateen, DC; and Nyla Lymus, UnderWraps Agency, NY

Call for Action Presentation by Amir Muhammad, Executive Director, America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, 2017 Golden Minaret Award Beneficiary

Presentation of AMA People’s Choice Awards

Masjid of the Year Award Presented by Imam Faizul Khan, Islamic Society of Washington Area and Dr. Amang Sukasih,Ph.D, Imaam Center

Nominees: Atlanta Masjid, GA; Islamic Center of America, MI; Masjid Muhammad, DC;

Darussalaam, MD; and Masjidullah, PA

Social Justice Advocate of the Year Award Presented by Rahima Z. Abdullah, Masjidullah of Philadelphia, PA and Jihad Saleh, Islamic Relief USA

Nominees: Khaled Beydoun, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, MI;

Dr. Zainab Choudry, CAIR, MD; Nadia Hassan, Young Leaders Institute, MD; Linda Sarsour, Arab American Association of New York; and

Khurrum Wahid, Wahid Vizcaino LLP, FL

Youth Leader of the Year Presented by Khalil Ismail, Community Activist and Recording Artist and Hon. Raheelah Ahmad,

Prince George’s County Board of Education Member

Nominees: Essma Bengabsia, NJ; Mohammed Kibriya, VA;

Eric Powell, DC; and Yasmine Taeb, VA

Performance by Preacher Moss


#MuslimOscars

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Presentation of AMA Choice Awards

Nelson Mandela International Humanitarian Award Presented by Mauri Saalakhan, Executive Director of the Aafia Foundation and

Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Dannielle Glaros

Honoree: Ambassador Serdar Kılıç, Embassy of Turkey in the US

Posthumous Servant Award Presented by Hossein Goal, Dar Al Hijrah and Ilhan Cagri, MPAC Religious Freedom Fellow

Honoree: Ahmet Ertegun, Philanthropist, Civil Rights Activist, Founder of Atlantic Records

Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Judge Hassan El-Amin, Associate Judge, Prince George's County Circuit Court, 7th Judicial Circuit

Honoree: Honorable Adam A. Shakoor, the nation’s first Muslim Judge,

former Chief Judge for Detroit’s 36th District Court, and former Deputy Mayor & Chief Administrative Officer, City of Detroit

Conversation with the Honorable Adam A. Shakoor

Performance by Recording Artist Khalil Ismail

Final Remarks from the Academy of Muslim AchievementTalib I. Karim

Supplication from Imam Muhammad Abdul Aleem, Masjidullah, Philadelphia

Ten O’Clock - End & Post Awards Dessert Reception

2017 Golden Minaret AwardsGala Programme Cont’d

#MuslimOscars

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Category CriteriaAbu Talib Muslim Ally Award:

The AMA Abu Talib Ally Award™ is named in honor of the of first defenders of Islam, the youngest of the Abrahamic faiths, Abu Talib ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib. This early ally was not a Muslim, but as the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (salutations upon him), Abu Talib used his influence as a tribal chief to protect his nephew and the early converts against persecution. As such, this award is bestowed upon an ally of the Muslim community who has demonstrated

commitment to supporting and defending the rights of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to live and practice their beliefs, peacefully in the United States.

Public Servant of the Year Award:

This award is bestowed upon a firefighter, teacher or other government official, employee or volunteer who has shown a commitment to serving all humanity

through public service.

Educator of the Year Award: This award is bestowed upon the education institution or educator that has shown

exemplary service in educating Muslims.

Best in Social Service Award: This award is bestowed upon an individual or organization that has provided

exemplary social service to the community in 2016.

Hon. Adam A. Shakoor Lawyer of the Year Award: This award is named in honor of the first Muslim to serve as Judge, Chief Judge,

and Deputy Mayor in America. We bestow this award upon a Muslim lawyer, law professor, and/or judge who has shown exemplary service in the field of law.

Health Provider of the Year Award: This award is bestowed upon the health care provider that has shown exemplary

service to the Muslim community and the public at large.

Executive of the Year Award: This honor is bestowed upon an executive that demonstrates exemplary courage, leadership, vision, innovation, moral character, sustained performance all while

using Islam as a guiding principle.

Philanthropist/Charity of the Year Award: This award is bestowed upon the individual or organization that has provided

exemplary charitable service in 2016.

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#MuslimOscars

..


The Best in Media Award: This honor is bestowed upon an individual, corporation or organization that have used media to provide alternative views about Islam and other issues of

importance, highlight the contributions of Muslims in service to this nation, and/or otherwise speak truth to power through media.

Best in Fashion Design Award: 2016 was a great year for many Islamic fashion designers. From New York Fashion Week to fashion weeks in Europe and Asia, Islamic fashions have left an indelible

mark on the future of the fashion industry. Islamic fashions as an industry is reportedly worth $96 billion.

Muslim Community/Masjid of the Year Award: This award is bestowed upon the Masjid or Islamic Center that has shown

exemplary service to both those who use the space for worship and its neighboring community.

Social Justice Advocate of the Year Award: This award is bestowed upon the individual that has been a vocal advocate to

advance the cause of the Muslim community and the nation as a whole.

Youth Leader of the Year Award: This award is given to a Muslim youth (under 35) who is dedicated to using his/her voice to bring about change within the Muslim community and nation as a

whole. All too often Muslim youth are overlooked and marginalized both by our community and society at large. This award seeks to celebrate our Muslim youth

who are in line to become national and even global leaders.

Nelson Mandela International Humanitarian Award: Named in memory of the legendary late President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, this award is presented to a country or NGO who, over the past year, demonstrated

commitment to providing humanitarian aid and assistance, diplomatic relations between nations, and extraordinary service to Muslims and non-Muslims alike

on a global level.

Posthumous Service Award: Honor awarded to a Muslim posthumously for the service and dedication

to the Muslim community.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honor awarded to a Muslim who has a demonstrated history of hard work,

service and leadership to the community.

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#MuslimOscars


AcknowledgementsPartners

All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS Center)

Amana Mutual Funds Trust

Banneker Ventures

Blueboy Printing

Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)

DAS Graphics and Printing, Inc.

EmergeUSA

Dar Al Hijrah

Grove Dental Clinic

HEV Plus

IMAN-GA

Islamic Relief

Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA)

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

Masjidullah of Philadelphia

MiniPac

Muslim Public Affairs Council

Prince George's Muslim Association (PGMA)

Sabree, Inc.

Stallion Technology, Inc.

Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries

TEC Law Firm

Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation

Unity Productions Foundation (UPF)

Universal Mortuary

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HEV Plus

EmergeUSA

Unity Productions (UPF)

TEC Law GroupATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS

Bazaar VendorsLutique

Islamic Attire & Accessories

Jumma Trade Islamic Clothing

PRNTS n PATTERNS & Casa Dell'Arte Home Decor & Accessories

Keeping up with the Khans Clothing, Jewelry

Besmah Scarfs Clothing

Universal Mortuary Burial Services, Wills

The Afiaa Foundation, Inc. Information


Honorary Host Committee ChairCongressman Keith Ellison (D-MN)

Judges Ahmed Mubarak – Illinois

Carinne Naboussi – MarylandDr. Amira Raheem, DDS – Maryland

Khadijah Sharif Dinkard, Esq. – New YorkJamil Muhammad – TennesseeKamila Barbour – Maryland

Bari Bako – MarylandM. Khurram Baig, Esq. – GeorgiaSalam Al-Marayati – California

(Chief Judge) Raheemah Abdulaleem, Esq. – Maryland

Production Team Talib Karim, Co-Founder & CEO

Nisa Muhammad, Co-Founder & Operations DirectorOmar Smith, Social Media & Public Engagement Director

Sahar Alsahlani, Productions DirectorKasey Mateen, Decorations Director

Maha, Khan, Bazaar DirectorBaura Zia, Communications & Media Director

E Fatimah Hasan, Government Engagement CoordinatorAnika Rahman, Partner Outreach TeamSamir Karim, Partner Outreach Team

Rahimah Z. Abdullah, Partner Outreach TeamAmber Speights, Nominee Outreach Team

Website Director: Adil FaisalGraphic Design: DAS Graphics and Printing

Printing: Blueboy Printing

Acknowledgements We thank Allah, for whom this is all possible, and acknowledge

the support of many includingCamille Malik, Diyanet Center of America

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Honoree BiosAbu Talib Muslim Ally Award:Reverend Fletcher Harper, New Jersey: Rev. Harper leads GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment that works with houses of worship, religious schools and people of all faiths to help them become better environmental stew-ards. They address environmental issues holistically, and are committed to being a one-stop shop for the resources and tools religious institutions need to engage environmental issues and become religious-environmental leaders. They have held convergences around the world gathering youth activists to come together from all faith communities and work on climate justice. They are currently helping to help mosques become greener, and helped support the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change, and also helped support the launching of the Green Muslim Climate Network.

Kitty Ufford-Chase & Rick Ufford-Chase, New York: Kitty and Rick are the co-founders of Stony Point Center, home to the Community of Living Traditions, a multifaith intentional community dedicated to the practice and study of hospital-ity, nonviolence and justice. Quakers, the pair have worked on many interfaith campaigns around the country and have helped advocate for the Muslim community in NY. First, they have a home and place a worship for Muslims. Secondly, during Ramadan they prepare special iftars and offer halal food. They have also stood with the Muslim community in protesting against Islamophobia and addressed legislators advocating for bills. They provide a safe haven for Muslims and all faith and also are always ready to support the Muslim community.

Tracey Nicholson, Maryland: Tracey serves as the City Administrator for the City of Hyattsville. Over the past year, during the 2016 campaign season, which saw an increase in bigotry against Muslim Americans and other immigrants, Tracey and her team launched a series of community conversations. These conversations were designed to support and create greater awareness and understanding between Hyattsville’s residents and minority groups within the City. The City sponsored two conversations specifically designed to engage the Muslim community, a very small population of Hyattsville. As a followup to the successful conversations, the City hosted its very first Iftar feast in the Hyattsville Municipal Building. This feat was historic, making Hyattsville one of the first, if not the first, City in Maryland to host an Iftar gathering.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermont: Sanders is serving his second term in the U.S. Senate after winning re-election in 2012 with 71 percent of the vote. His previous 16 years in the House of Representatives make him the longest serving inde-pendent member of Congress in American history. In 2015, Sen. Sanders, an Independent, launched a historic run for the Presidency of the United States. During his campaign, Sanders, who is Jewish, spoke passionately in support of the Muslim community in the US. He was also the only Presidential candidate from the Democratic and Republican parties to decline an invitation from AIPAC to attend its annual convention. Instead, Sanders sent a taped video message that declared his commitment to true peace and justice in Palestine and the occupied territories.

Hon. Adam A. Shakoor Lawyer of the Year Award: Damani K. Ingram, Esq., Maryland: Damani K. Ingram manages The Ingram Firm, L.L.C. in Columbia Maryland and serves as Maryland local counsel to the TEC Law Firm, based in Washington, DC. At-torney Ingram comes from a family of Muslim lawyers and has advised numerous Muslim individuals and organizations, including his local Islamic community. In 2016, Attorney Ingram was selected as a Super Lawyer in Maryland. Attorney Ingram received a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from the University of Maryland at College Park before receiving his law degree from the University of Baltimore, where he was a member of the Honor Council. Upon graduation from law school, he

taught English and served as the Union Representative for the Maryland State Teachers Association. To date, he has negotiated, constructed, and consummated a multiplicity of transactions with notable organizations and personalities in many fields, including professional boxing, the WNBA, the NBA, music industries, business development, and the NFL.

Omar T. Mohammedi, Esq., New York: Omar T. Mohammedi is the founder and managing partner of the Law Firm of Omar T. Mohammedi, LLC of New York. Mohammedi has successfully represented clients in high profile cases such as, Amadou Diallo v. the City of New York et al. and Shqeirat v. US Airways Group, Inc. et al (known as the six Imams case). Most recently, Mohammedi has represented a client in challenging surveillance of Muslims and Islamic Centers by the New York City Police Department. Mr. Mohammedi has extensive experience in complex multi-district litigation. In addition, Mr. Mo-hammedi has extensive experience in Islamic finance law, Islamic estate planning international trade

and business law. Mr. Mohammedi is also the President and Founder of the Association of Muslim American Lawyers (“AMAL”). In addition, Mohammedi is a lecturer of Law at Fordham Law School. Mr. Mohammedi is a former NYC Commissioner on Human Rights. He was appointed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to become the first Muslim and Arab New York City Commissioner on Human Rights from October 2002 to December 2014.


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Aisha Rahman, Esq., District of Columbia: Aisha Rahman, Esq. is Executive Director of KARAMAH and also serves as the head of the organization’s Family Law Division. Ms. Rahman received her higher education at Emory University and The University of Tennessee College of Law, where she was a staff editor of the Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy and headed the Muslim Law Student Association. Ms. Rahman came to KARAMAH from Legal Aid of East Tennessee where she was a staff attorney litigating cases on domestic violence. In her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, Ms. Rahman chaired the Social Justice Committee of the Shura (consultative council) at the Muslim Community of Knoxville, an im-

portant leadership position.

Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo, New York: Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo is one of the first Muslim women to serve as a judge of the New York City Civil Court. Walker-Diallo, was elected without opposition to the New York City Civil Court – Kings 7th District in 2015. Over her career, she has empowered women, African Americans and Muslims in general.

Executive of the Year Award: Zakariyya Abdur-Rahman, Pennsylvania: Zakariyya serves as President/CEO Nicetown Community Development Corporation (NTCDC), an organization he founded to develop over communities with an emphasis on public health and safety, “re-education” and training; and affordable housing devel-opment. The NTCDC helped transform led a $20 million development that resulted in 87 affordable rental units and 6,000 square feet of commercial space. Overall, making a $50 million development. Zakariyya is also active in the Masjidullah community, one of the largest Islamic centers in Philadel-phia. In 2013, Zakariah assisted Masjidullah in the acquisition and redevelopment of the new $1.5

million Center for Human Excellence, and the subsequent acquisition of the parking lot adjacent to the facility. The plan for this site includes senior housing and commercial development. Zakariyya is also Chairman of the Universal Muslim Business Association, a Philadelphia based business group.

Jameel Johnson, Maryland: Jameel serves as Associate Vice President, Government Relations for Nas-daq, the nation’s largest trading platform for technology securities. In addition, Jameel is the co-founder and Chairman for the Prince George’s County Muslim Council, one of the largest Muslim political organizations in the Washington, DC region. Before he came to Nasdaq, Jameel served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY) who is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. While working on the Hill, Jameel served as President of the House of Representatives Chiefs of Staff Association. In 2000, Jameel, co-founded the Congres-

sional Muslim Staffers Association, which is responsible for hosting weekly Jummah prayer services in the U.S. Capitol complex. Under Jameel’s leadership, CMSA hosted some of the first Iftar feasts ever held in Congress. Jameel is the former Executive Director of the Rockaway Development and Revitalization Corporation, a non-profit community de-velopment organization. He holds an MBA in International Finance from St. John’s University and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia.

Omar Karim, Maryland: Mr. Karim serves as President of Banneker Ventures which he has led since its founding in 2005. He has grown Banneker Ventures from a boutique real estate development firm to a diversified, full-service construction firm, also specializing in facilities and construction management with federal government, local government and commercial clients. Since its founding, Mr. Karim has been responsible for Banneker Ventures winning more than $30M in contracts and overseeing the con-struction of more than $200M in public and private projects. Prior to founding Banneker, Mr. Karim served as General Counsel for a Washington, DC-based development company. Before that, he served

as a Corporate Associate with a large New York law firm. Mr. Karim received a Juris Doctor degree from Howard Uni-versity where he was a member of The Howard Law Journal; and a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering – also from Howard – where he became the first undergraduate student to serve two terms on the University’s Board of Trustees.

Anas Andy Shallal, Washington, DC: Andy is an Iraqi–American artist, activist and entrepreneur. He is best known as the proprietor of the Washington, DC area community favorite restaurant, bookstore, and performance venue Busboys and Poets. He is also a local philanthropist. Mr. Shallal is well known for his opposition to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2014, Andy ran for Mayor of Washington, D.C. netting thousands of votes and besting campaigns of more well-known political figures. After the election, Mayor Murial Bowser tapped Shallal to serve as an advisor and Chair of the District’s Workforce Invest-ment Council. Together with fellow restaurateur, Nizam Ali, of Ben’s Chilli Bowl, Andy hosts a weekly

radio talk show on WPFW-FM in Washington, DC.

2017 Golden Minaret AwardsHonoree Bios Cont’d

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Best in Fashion Design Award: Kenya Abdul Hadi, Pennsylvania: Kenya is the creative force behind Miskeen Originals, a Philadel-phia-based manufacturer of hand-painted custom apparel. It was launched in 2000 and can be found at over 300 retailers across the nation including Macy’s East/West, Up Against the Wall, Dr. Denim, and USA Boutique. Miskeen (which means “poor” in Arabic–a tribute to starving artists everywhere). Miskeen manufactures apparel that uses clothing as the canvas. Its repertoire includes denims, jackets, T-shirts, jeans, and hand-knits. Today, Kenya is infusing his sense of fashion into the design of furnish-ings for hotels, restaurants, and other upscale businesses.

Aisha Abdul Mateen, Maryland: For more than 20 years Aisha Abdul Mateen has brought Muslim fashion to DC with a show and luncheon. This is one of the oldest Muslim women fashion shows in the country. Aisha Abdul Mateen

Latifa Ihsan Ali, Delaware: Latifa is the founder of Lia Wear Active, a line born out of the desire to stay healthy and keep active. wants for all women to be fit and to feel strong! She launched her LiaWear line of modest swimsuits and sportswear three years ago. Latifa has showcased in numerous shows around the country including the debut of DC Fashion Week’s Haute and Modesty Show. She graduated in Apparel Design from the University of Delaware.

Nailah Lymus, New York: Nailah Lymus is a clothing and accessory designer since 2004 has nourished her deep hunger for all things fashion at the youthful age of seven using talent to accentuate the natu-ral allure of the woman. Showing at New York Fashion Week and featured in Couture Fashion Week, Nailah has been featured in Ebony Jet Magazine, Complex’d Magazine, Connecticut Bride, TIME, the New York Times as well as many titles worldwide. Now combining both of her passions for modesty and fashion, Lymus opened the FIRST Muslim female model agency merging the best of both worlds. Currently with a roster of five Muslim female models UNDERWRAPS Agency has established a niche in

the fashion world. The agency and its models have been featured in numerous editorials including Glamour Magazine, NPR News, ABC News, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and the New York Post. In the fall 2013, the agency accomplished a huge goal with one of its models walked the runway for New York Fashion Week.

Health Provider of the Year Award: Dr. Rashid A. Chotani, MD, MPH, DTM (Virginia, US): Dr. Chotani is currently the Executive Director of the largest faith-based, multispeciality, safety-net clinic in the country (MCC Medical Clinic) with an expected patient encounter of 16,000 in 2017. Dr. Chotani has spent over 20 years in providing bio-security and public health expertise to both public and private agencies. He was the Chief Scientist of a very high profile program at the US DOD and the recipient of the 2016 NATO Scientific Award for his extra-ordinary performance in research on medical countermeasures against biological agents, becoming the first and only Muslim to recieve this recognition. His success in the academic field

includes, being the first and only muslim to establish and direct the Global Infectious Disease Surveillance and Alert System (GIDSAS) at Johns Hopkins University. In Pakistan, Dr. Chotani helped upgrade the Early Warning System at the National Institute of Health (NIH), re-developed and furbished the Epidemic Investigation Cell (EIC) to enhance the dis-ease surveillance program. He sits on multiple Boards including the American Immigration Council and has published extensive in the field of medicine and public health. Dr. Chotani was the first and only Muslim and co-inventor of the early detection of bioterrorism system and co-writer of the Electronic Laboratory Surveillance System. Additionally, Dr. Chotani was the first and only Muslim to be a Senior Fellow at Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, American Immigra-tion Council, St. Andrews Humanitarian Forum.

Rahma Health Clinic, New York: Providing high quality healthcare to the uninsured, indigent and un-der-served adult members of Central New York community regardless of the ability to pay, and regard-less of religion, race, gender or background. RAHMA Health Clinic envisions itself as part of a larger network of institutions addressing the health and wellbeing of the underserved and indigent, mindful of the cultural, spiritual, social and economic realities that impinge upon them and the traditional barriers to accessing care.

Dr. Nisha Abdul Cader, Dr. Rushdi Abdul Cader, Dr. Mansur Khan, Raziya Shaikh, Ph.D, Dr. Khaliq Siddiq, Aisha Siddiq, Dr. Altaf Kazi, Dr. Charles Sadler, Dr. Rumi Abdul Cader, Fatima Mtume, MPH, Yasser Aman, MPH, Co-Found-ers of the Umma clinic, California: The Umma Clinic is the first Muslim American founded community-based health organization in the United States. Located in South Los Angeles, it has a culturally and religiously diverse staff serving


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an equally diverse, though underprivileged population. Its cofounders were Muslim American students at UCLA and Charles Drew University. In the wake of the L.A. civil disturbances of 1992, the students decided to open a free clinic with University support. While waiting on construction to be completed, the students collected donated equipment and raised more than $1.3 million in funds with the backing of then-Councilwoman Maxine Walters, now the ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representa-tives Financial Services Committee. UMMA envisions itself as part of a larger network of institutions addressing the health and well-being of the underserved and indigent, mindful of the cultural, spiritual,

social and economic realities that impinge upon them.

Best in Education Award: Al-Huda School & Al-Huda Quran Academy, Maryland: Established in 1995, Al-Huda School is a full-time K-12th grade Islamic school accredited by the Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools (CES-MSA). The school is located in College Park, Maryland, and enrolls over 460 students. Al-Huda School consists of two schools in one: a boys’ K-12th grade school and a girls’ K-12th grade school. Each school has its own classrooms and Muslim teachers, but they are all under the same roof and Muslim administration. In the Fall of 2008, Al-Huda School has added a new Science Lab facility.

Abeda Khanam, New York: Abeda Khanam immigrated to the United States as a teenager in 1989 from Bangladesh. As an English language learner, Abeda mastered the language whilst pursuing a degree in Biology. She spent her formative years by her father’s side, following him in his various capacities as a community organizer and religious leader. When her father passed away during Abeda’s sophomore year in college, she adopted three of her brothers, raising them alongside her own two children to this day. Coming upon two decades of teaching, Abeda was pleased to be named the New York Daily News Hometown Hero in Education in 2015. The United Federation of Teachers has also singled Abeda out

as a standout teacher in 2016 and she is profiled by the New York Teacher magazine. The list of her achievements in the classroom are numerous, most notably the creation of biology curricula that is engaging high school students to perform cell and molecular biology lab experiments using their own DNA. Abeda’s work outside the classroom is often weaved into her curricula, as she is the director of a community garden near her school.

Jameelah Malik, Maryland: Jameelah Malik holds MA and BA degrees from Morgan State University and an AAS degree, Associate in Applied Science from Fashion Institute of Technology – FIT, State Uni-versity of New York. She has extensive knowledge of history, art and civilization specializing in Museum Studies and Historic Preservation at Morgan State University. Her skills also include exhibition design and photography. She has taught for several years in Muslim schools in New York. Presently, she teach-es third grade for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and has been honored as PGCPS Irreplaceable Teacher of the Year 2015-2016. Her classroom has partnered with the Smithsonian Teach

it Forward Institute. Ms. Malik’s affiliations include Prince George’s County Muslim Council, American Alliance of Mu-seums, Institute of Muslim American Studies, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture exhibition on Muslims, National Education Association and Kappa Delta Pi (International Honor Society of Educators).

Public Servant of the Year Award: Nana Firman, California: Nana Firman has been involved in developing urban community garden in Southern California and encouraging the American Muslim community to practice eco-lifestyle, which then led her to become a member of the Green Mosque Initiative for Islamic Society of North America. Nana previously worked with the World Wildlife Fund in Indonesia for several years, directing the recovery efforts in the wake of earthquake and tsunami, and has also worked with Muslim leaders in Indonesia to create climate resiliency plans. Climate change is not just an environmental problem, but for the people of faith like her, it is a moral and ethical issue and has already affected many vulnerable

communities globally. She is currently coordinating Muslim outreach for OurVoices, a global faith and spiritual climate action network. She has done work nationally and also internationally and has been a mentor to many Muslims entering the climate justice network.

Sylvester Johnson, Pennsylvania: Mr. Johnson is a retired law enforcement executive. He served on the Philadelphia Police Department for forty-three years, including six years as the city’s 13th Police Commissioner from January 4, 2002, until January 7, 2008, becoming the first Muslim American to lead a police department.

Johnson joined the Philadelphia police department in 1964 and was soon assigned to the city’s High Patrol. In 1972 Johnson was awarded the medal of valor, the police department’s highest award, for


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stopping the armed robbery of a supermarket in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, while off-duty. Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street appointed Johnson as Police Commissioner in 2002. Johnson was credited with lowering Philadelphia’s murder rate during his first year in office.He also improved some community relations. He retired on January 7, 2008.

Ilhan Omar, Minnesota: Illhan is the newly elected, Minnesota House Representative for District 60B. She is the first Somali-American, Muslim woman in the nation to hold an office at this level. Ilhan is an experienced policy analyst, progressive DFL activist, coalition builder and community educator. Most recently, she served as the Director of Policy Initiatives at Women Organizing Women, where she em-powered East African woman to take civic leadership roles in their community. Ilhan lives in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis with her husband and their three children.

Judge Fatima El-Amin, Georgia: Judge El-Amin is a native of Atlanta, and one of the pioneering students of the Mohammed Schools of Atlanta. In 1993, El-Amin graduated as Co-Valedictorian of W. D. Mo-hammed High School’s second graduating class and later completed her collegiate studies at Harvard University, where she graduated cum laude with a dual B.A. degree in Psychology and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. She is the loving mother of a nine-year-old son, Sultan.

Philanthropist/Charity of the Year Award: IMAN, Illinois: IMAN is a community organization that fosters health, wellness and healing in the inner-city by organiz-ing for social change, cultivating the arts and operating a holistic health center. IMAN was founded in the 1980s by an inter-generational group of students, residents, and organizers united around the need to address violence, poverty, and decay in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood located on Chicago’s southwest side. Driven by their values of service, com-passion, and social justice, they began a community assessment and examined alternative strategies to address these conditions. Soon they gathered the attention of community leaders, residents, and others across greater Chicago who shared their commitment to social change. Currently, IMAN operates a community health center; provides transitional housing and job training for formerly incarcerated men; empowers local youth through leadership development and civic engagement; and inspire change through arts and culture programming.

Asma Inge-Hanif, Maryland: Asma established Muslimat Al Nisaa, as a holistic Health, Education and Social Services organization, in order to provide health services for the underserved and uninsured women and children. Asma Hanif cares for the homeless, refugees, trafficking victims and women victims of domestic violence for over 30 years.

Hira Syeda, Georgia: Hira is executive director of Project Hope Atlanta, an initiative she started with a group of her friends in July 2015. They started by doing a Ramadan food drive for 30 refugee families in Clarkston, Ga. Hira did an amazing job organizing the drive and after the drive, everyone had such a great experience meeting the families, that we all decided we want to do more for those families.

Best in Social Service Award: Abdur-Rahim Muhammad, Pennsylvania: Abdur-Rahim is the founder of the Islamic Cultural Preserva-tion and Information Council (ICPIC) founded in 1991 and the New Africa Center/Muslim American Museum and Archive founded in 2005. Each year, IPIC hosts an outdoor cultural festival and parade in downtown Philadelphia. This festival is known as the oldest such Muslim American festival in the nation. In 2016, ICPIC held its festival in conjunction with the Democratic National Committee Convention. As the administrator and multicultural education consultant, his responsibilities have included program planning; conducting professional staff development workshops for K-12 educators

and community public forums.

Robina Niaz, New York: Robina runs Turning Point for Women and Families, a domestic violence shelter and counseling service for Muslim women and their children in Queens, NY. She turned her own domestic abuse story into one of redemption as she helps women, often new immigrants, find safe housing, jobs and counseling for themselves and their children.


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Imam Hassan A. Amin, Maryland: Imam Amin was positively involved in the social justice uprising in Baltimore City in 2015. During the riots he mobilized Muslims to protect teachers and students. After the riots, he helped lead clean up efforts. He is the founder and executive director of Muslim Social Services Agency in Baltimore City. Its mission it to provide resources and services to the poor, low income and homeless families and individuals in order to help them improve upon their quality of life.

Imam Johari Abdul Malik, Virginia: Imam Johari is a legend in the DC area for his work to uplift the needy and oppressed. From his beginnings as the Muslim Chaplain at Howard University to his work with domestic violence victims, his work with Muslim shelters to his work with Muslim youth and interfaith program. Currently he leads social services for Dar Al Hijrah, a Virginia-based Islamic Center.

The Best in Media Award: Sapelo Square is the online resource for Black Muslims. If you want to know what’s going on with Black Muslims you can probably find on Sapelo Square. Articles are in a variety of subject matters from politics, religion, history arts and culture. It is the brainchild of Dr. Su’ad Abdul Khabeer and is inclusive of all Muslims.

The Young Turks Network: TYTN was founded by Turkish American activist, lawyer, and political commentator. Cenk Uygur. In addition to hosting TYT, Uygur appeared on MSNBC as a political commentator. From January to June 2011, he hosted a weeknight commentary show on the network; Uygur was replaced by Al Sharpton. TYT Network is the largest online news network in the world, covering politics, pop culture and lifestyle. TYT Network is one of YouTube’s top partner channels and has over 200 million views a month and more than 3 billion total views on The Young Turks YouTube channel and Facebook page. The Young Turks was named to Variety’s Famechangers list, The Hollywood Re-porter’s Next Gen 30 and has won the 2013, 2014, and 2015 People’s Voice Webby Awards for best news and politics series, 2011 News/Politics Shorty Award, Best Political Podcast 2009 at the Podcast Awards and Best Political News Site 2009 at the Mashable Awards. The show is No. 1 in News & Politics among millennials according to comScore, Tubular Labs and OpenSlate data.

Unity Productions Foundation, California: The mission of Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) is to counter bigotry and create peace through the media. UPF produces films that tell compelling stories for television, online viewing, and theatrical release. These films are part of long-term educational campaigns aimed at increasing understanding among people of different faiths and cultures, especially among Muslims and other faiths. Screenings have taken place in thousands of classrooms and civic institutions. Over 83% of participants in UPF film screenings and dialogues indicate positive feedback after viewing. Finally, UPF works in Hollywood through its MOST (Muslims on Screen and Television) Resource Center, providing facts and research to script writers and producers on popular shows seen worldwide. Since its inception in 1999, UPF’s executive producers and founders, Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer, have produced 9 nationally broadcast films for the U.S. Public Broadcasting System and one full-length film for theatrical release.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

Muslim Community/Masjid of the Year Award: Masjidullah, Pennsylvania – In the fall of 1977, a small group of believers began to meet in each other’s homes bound by a strong desire to see the growth of Al-Islam in America, these believers began their search for the right space to call home. On August 31, 1984 the community of Masjidullah opened its doors at 7700 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. Masjidullah Incorporated is a 501-(c)3 non-profit organization formed: to establish the Holy Qur’an as the book of guidance for humanity, and the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing upon Him) as the example for human conduct; to support the leadership of Imam W. Deen Mohammed; to promote and assist in the social and religious welfare of all people; to teach and propagate the religion of Al-Islam in accordance with the clear dictates of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing upon Him); and to support the purity of the Consti-tution of United States of America, and the laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

Darussalaam/Al Huda, Maryland: Dar-us-Salaam is committed to sharing the message of Islam through sincere action, by developing a model Islamic community based upon and adhering to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The name of our community comes from Allah directly in the Qur’an where He calls Jannah “Dar-us-Salaam”, meaning the Abode of Peace. Dar-us-Salaam aims to be a place to which we can invite Muslims and non-Muslims alike to the peace and calm of knowing Allah, and a community guided by the light emanating from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the last


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Messenger Muhammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). In such an environment, revelation is the basis for decision making, and actions are taken in light of how pleasing they are to Allah.

Masjid Muhammad, Washington, DC: Dating back to the mid 1930s, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque® (of America) is representative of the oldest established Muslim community in the Nation’s Capital and America. This com-munity established the first Mosque to be built from the ground up in America’s capital city by its citizens, and the first in America by descendants of enslaved, African Americans and African-Muslims. Located just off of New Jersey Ave. NW on 4th Street (ceremonially designated “Islamic Way” by the city), Masjid Muhammad has long been a pillar in the neighborhood, the city of Washington, D.C. and the nation, as well as a leader in an association of numerous Masjids and Islamic Centers nationwide. Masjid Muhammad is comprised of and associated with millions of healthy-minded hardworking loyal Muslims who are in every field of public service and the private sector, and are making significant contributions to support, protect, and invest in the betterment of the United States of America.

Atlanta Masjid, Georgia: Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, located in the historic East Atlanta Community, is the largest and oldest Islamic community in Metro Atlanta. We are a community of believers adhering to the Qur’an and the life tradi-tions of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be Upon Him). Imam Sulaimaan Hamed is the resident Imam of the community and his leadership is supported by four generations of Muslims. Our community has over 3000 supporters, 500 families and close to 200 students at Mohammed Schools.

Islamic Center of America, Michigan: The Islamic Center of America is one of North America’s oldest institutions. Established in 1963, the Islamic Center has been serving the needs of Muslims in the greater Detroit area as well as throughout the United States. The Islamic Center of America has a long a rich past that embodies the American Muslim Community’s search, struggle and triumph to find a place to belong. The story begins in 1949, when Imam Jawad Chirri, a man who could not speak or understand English came to America at the request of a small group of people who were yearning for Islamic guidance. It culminates as an Islamic Center that has become more than a place of worship but an Institution and a beacon for Islam in North America. In 2015, it opened up a new campus, which cost $14 million to build. The new facilities includes a Masjid, school, and conference center.

Social Justice Advocate of the Year Award: Khaled Beydoun, Michigan: Khaled A. Beydoun is an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and Senior Affiliated Faculty at the University of California-Berkeley Is-lamophobia Research & Documentation Project. A Critical Race Theorist, Professor Beydoun’s research examines the legal construction of Arab and Muslim American identity, the foundational and modern development of Islamophobia, and the intersection of national security policy, civil liberties and cit-izenship. A leading scholar on legal matters germane to civil rights and Muslim America, Professor Beydoun’s scholarship has been featured in top law journals, including: the Columbia Law Review,

the California Law Review the UCLA Law Review, the Harvard Journal of Racial & Ethnic Justice, and the Illinois Law Review. Complimenting his legal research and scholarship, Professor Beydoun is an active public intellectual. In addi-tion to his regular commentary in Al-Jazeera English, Professor Beydoun’s insight has been featured in the Washington Post, the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Time, Salon, and ESPN; and television and radio news programming including CNN, the BBC, Fox, NBC and ABC News.

Zainab Chaudry, Maryland: Dr. Zainab Chaudry is Spokeswoman and Maryland Outreach Manager for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. She serves on the board of Interfaith Action for Human Rights, and as it’s liaison to Shoul-der-to-Shoulder – an interfaith initiative formed to counter anti-Muslim sentiment in America. She is on the task force of Bilal Initiative – an initiative designed to expand conversations around building a multiracial, multigenerational, and women-friendly society. Dr. Chaudry is the first known Muslim to be appointed to the Maryland State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights – an in-dependent, bipartisan agency established by Congress in 1957 and charged with advising the President

and Congress on civil rights matters. She is a Fellow of the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute, and graduated from the Maryland Public Policy Conflict Resolution Fellows Program at the University Of Maryland Carey School Of Law. Dr. Chaudry was a Nominated Changemaker at the White House Summit on the United State of Women, and she was recognized in 2016 as the Baltimore Sun’s ’25 Women to Watch.’

Nadia Hassan, Maryland: Nadia Hassan, MBA is the founder and director of Young Leaders Institute, a youth leadership platform and network connector that empowers youth toward social entrepreneur-ship, social innovation and academic excellence. Nadia is a media contributor and has appeared on several TV / radio shows such as The Heat, Open Lens, Sputnik Radio, U.S. Arab Radio among others. Nadia has an MBA from Bentley University, where she did her thesis in Islamic Finance: A Model of Sustainable Economics. Previously, Nadia served as the Government Relations and Interfaith Outreach Coordinator for the Islamic Society of North America. Her activism has gained her media attention with


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numerous media outlets, such as CNN, USA Today, Al-Jazeerah, Washington Post- and many others- as well as several board and committee appointees with a number of interfaith organizations.

Mohib Ullah and Syed Ashraf, Virginia: Mohib and Seyd are co-leaders of the ADAMS Center Civic Engagement (ACE) Team. For many years ADAMS has had one of the most robust, and most successful, civic outreach programs of my mosque nationwide. in 2014, Mohib and Seyed formed the ACE Team and since then, have been responsible for a constant series of high profile events including Candidate Forums for Congressional Elections in 2014 and 2016, and for State Senate and Delegate Elections, Pre-Legislative and Post-Legislative Session meetings with local Senators and Delegates, a detailed program on the Path to Naturalization with the US Customs and Immigration Services and local community lawyers and civic activists from a wide range of New American communities, a major rally on behalf of Rohingya refugees at the Embassy of Burma, and arranging critical attendance and community representation at the annual InterFaith and Muslim Day Advocacy efforts at the Virginia General Assembly. Every one of these programs (and many others) has been a sterling success, and all have attracted the applause and commendation of hundreds of our community members and civic and interfaith partners.

Linda Sarsour, New York: Linda Sarsour is a working woman, racial justice and civil rights activist, every Islamophobe’s worst nightmare, and mother of three. Ambitious, outspoken and independent, Linda shatters stereotypes of Muslim women while also treasuring her religious and ethnic heritage. She is a Palestinian Muslim American and a self-proclaimed “pure New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn!” She is the Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York and co-founder of the first Muslim online organizing platform, MPOWER Change. Linda has been at the forefront of major civil rights campaigns including calling for an end to unwarranted surveillance of New York’s Muslim com-

munities and ending police policies like stop and frisk. In wake of the police murder of Mike Brown, she co-founded Muslims for Ferguson to build solidarity amongst American Muslim communities and encourage work against police brutality. She is a member of the Justice League NYC, a leading NYC force of activists, formerly incarcerated individuals, and artists working to reform the New York Police Department and the criminal justice system.

Khurrum Wahid, Florida: Khurrum Wahid is a partner at Wahid Vizcaino LLP. He has over 100 jury trials in a wide range of federal and state matters in civil, administrative, and criminal fields. He was recognized by New Times Magazine as lawyer of the year and has been recognized as one of Florida Trend Magazine’s Legal Elite in the area of criminal law. Khurrum is a pivotal founding member and current National Co-Chair of EMERGE USA, a national non- profit civic engagement organization with chapters in Florida, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia. Emerge works to empower “emerging majority” communities, with a focus on Muslim Americans, to participate more in public

and community and public service. Emerge USA accomplishes this through the development of young people as our future leadership, development of data to provide solid metrics for future success, and development of an active and en-gaged voter base. Since 2006 Khurrum has also been the Chair of Emerge PAC, a political action committee designed to support elected officials who show support for the diverse emerging majority of communities and their issues. Khurrum is also a founding member of the Florida Muslim Bar Association. Khurrum organizes an annual “Eid holiday” recep-tion, marking the end of the Muslim month of Ramadan, every year that attracts dozens of members of the judiciary and the bar in celebration of diversity. He is also featured as the defense attorney in the A&E special “Miami Manhunt”. He has appeared as a guest commentator on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, National Public Radio, and various other television and radio shows across the nation.

Youth Leader of the Year Award: Essma Bengabsia, New Jersey: Essma is an undergraduate student at New York University’s Stern School of Business concentrating Finance and Information Systems and minoring in Political Science. She aims to pursue a J.D. degree after her undergraduate studies to practice corporate and human rights law. Essma is also the President of the Muslim Network, a diverse group of young American Muslim activists that aims to unite the Muslim communities in the state of New Jersey by establishing a network of mosques, Islamic schools, community centers, businesses, and other Muslim organizations through-out the state. Through this network, various services are available to encourage collaboration across

communities and to strengthen individual organizations’ work and mission. Essma works to engage her community in standing up for human rights, getting civically active, and countering Islamophobia through community development and female and youth empowerment. She strongly believes that in order for American Muslim communities to thrive and prosper, they must come together as a united body. Her favorite Quranic verse is, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (3:103).


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Mohammed Kibriya, Virginia: Mohammed has been a youth director for 10 years now, the past 3 of which he has spent at Dar al Hijra in Northern VA. As someone who has seen him approach different career paths – this is definitely his calling. He understands the importance of mentoring the youth and providing them with a safe place because it was only through such means that he was guided to follow Islam correctly in Michigan. Some of him and his team’s accomplishments include; remodeling the basement into a modern lounge/workplace, painting the masjid with beautiful and lively murals, vol-unteering across the DMV via outreach and service projects, providing weekly programs for sisters and

brothers (including but not limited to book club, convert care, junior jumma, rising souls, halaqas, quran tafsir, soccer, basketball, etc), and holding monthly fun outings and field trips.

Eric Powell, Washington, D.C.: Eric is President Howard University MSA. As just a sophomore Eric Powell has taken the helm of the largest HBCU MSA and leads with justice, vision and fairness.

Yasmine Taeb, Virginia: Yasmine is an experienced human rights and civil liberties lobbyist and currently works at the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), a Quaker lobby in the public interest. Yasmine directs FCNL’s work on a number of civil liberties and human rights issues, including lobbying for increased resettlement of Syrian refugees; calling for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention center; lobbying for increased transparency and oversight of the U.S. lethal drone program, among other issues. In 2016, Yasmine became the first Muslim American woman to be elected to the Democratic National Committee by delegates to the Democratic Party of Virginia State Convention. Previously,

Yasmine served as project manager at the Center for American Progress (CAP) and co-authored CAP’s Islamophobia report, “Fear, Inc. 2.0: The Islamophobia Network’s Efforts to Manufacture Hate in America.” Yasmine has substantial legislative and advocacy experience and has served as a Legislative Fellow for Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Ranking Member on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

AMA CHOICE AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoree: Honorable Adam A. Shakoor, the nation's first Muslim Judge, former Chief Judge for Detroit’s 36th District Court, and former Deputy Mayor & Chief Administrative Officer, City of Detroit. Judge Shakoor’s service includes supporting the movement for racial and economic justice as personal counsel to the legendary activist, Rosa Parks, and other civil rights leaders.

Posthumous Service Award: Honoree: Ahmet Ertegun, Philanthropist, Civil Rights Activist, Founder of Atlantic RecordsIn the 1930s, Ertegun as the son of the Turkish Ambassador, challenged discrimination in Washington, DC by hosting concerts in the Turkish Embassy featuring African American artists such as Duke Ellington, who, at the time, were banned from performing at many venues due to segregation laws. Ertegun went on to found Atlantic Records, which recorded music legends including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Phil Collins.

Nelson Mandela International Humanitarian Award: Honoree: Ambassador Serdar Kılıç, Embassy of Turkey in the USFor his country’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid and assistance, particularly in Syria, welcoming refugees, and promoting diplomatic relations between nations.

Table of ContentsGala Programme .......................................................................................5-8

Category Criteria and Nominees .......................................... 10-11

Acknowledgements ..........................................................................18-19

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