PRESS RELEASE: CAIR-NY Holds 1st Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium
(NEW YORK, NY, 4/28/14) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) held its 1st Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) this past Friday and Saturday at the CUNY School of Law in Long Island City, Queens. More than 50 youth from all over New York State (ages 13-21) attended the symposium, at which more than 20 speakers addressed the youth during the 12 workshops that were held.
“I am truly inspired and motivated to make a difference in the lives of others and myself as well,” said attendee Sumera Alam.
At the symposium, elected officials Assemblyman Luis R. Sepúlveda and City Council Member Rafael Espinal addressed the youth and spoke about government engagement. Assemblyman Sepulveda hosted CAIR-NY's second Muslim Day at the Capitol in Albany, NY.
SEE: PRESS RELEASE: CAIR-NY Holds 2nd Muslim Day at the Capitol in Albany
Councilman Espinal is currently working with CAIR-NY and local leaders on advocating for halal and kosher foods in NYC public schools.
SEE: PRESS RELEASE: CAIR-NY Joins City Council Member in Support of Halal School Meals
SEE: City Councilman Rafael Espinal wants schools to offer halal lunches to Muslim students
"With Muslim youth facing discrimination, being victims of bullying, and living in a time where Islamophobic acts have occurred in our communities, our aim though the symposium was to create a positive environment to guide our youth in being leaders and agents of change in areas of civil rights, education, and personal development. It is our hope at CAIR-NY to bring more programs and services for our youth to help foster their growth in becoming future community leaders," said CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique
CUNY CLEAR held an interactive "Know-Your-Rights" workshop which resonated deeply with the students where lawyers taught the participants what to do when approached by a police officer, police rights and their own rights. Speakers also included representatives from organizations such as the New York Chapter of Islamic Center of North America (ICNA-New York), Women In Islam, Inc., Desis Rising Up and Moving (DRUM), and Muslims Giving Back.
CAIR-NY is a chapter of America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NY Director of Operations Sadyia Khalique, 212-870-2002, E-Mail: skhalique@cair.com; CAIR-NY Board President Ryan Mahoney E-Mail: Ryan@virtuecenter.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com