A News Brief from the Council of Islamic Organizations
of Greater Chicago
Assalamu Alaikum.
January 20, 2003—As in years past, the Council of
Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago once again
participated in city-wide events commemorating the legacy
of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The
following are highlights of events in which the Council
officially participated.
The Chairman of the Council’s Interfaith Committee,
Dr. Shakir Moiduddin, addressed dignitaries at the Unity
Breakfast hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard Daley in honor
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Moiduddin offered a
prayer of hope that this great nation will “not be a
superpower just based on military might and scientific
know-how, but also based on moral and ethical values.”
In addition to Mayor Daley and the city’s aldermen, the
Unity Breakfast was attended by many prominent leaders,
including Chicago Police Department Superintendent Terry
Hillard, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Cook County
Board President John Stroger.
The Council’s Director-Community Relations, Amina
Saeed, addressed a large gathering at the Chicago National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
19th Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration. In her
address, Ms. Saeed noted, “Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. is a hero for all Americans alike, including
Muslim-Americans, who appreciate Dr. King’s legacy of
safeguarding civil and human rights in a manner that
transcends race and religion, especially in the
challenging times facing our nation.” Ms. Saeed
encouraged action on Dr. King’s message, and referred to
issues of profiling, detention, and equal opportunity.
Other speakers included Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich,
State Senator Barack Obama, and House Representative
Constance Howard. The Chicago Southside Branch is the
oldest branch in the NAACP and the largest branch in
Illinois.
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