WASHINGTON, DC – A national American advocacy group will honor Aisha Al-Adawiya during its annual banquet in October, recognizing her decades of service and commitment to advancing the legacy of Islam as an organic American religious tradition.
“During this time of intense social polarization and political discord, it is important that we recognize and honor the work of individuals who advance justice and enhance mutual understanding,” said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad in a statement.
“Sister Aisha’s tireless civic engagement and social justice work is invaluable and CAIR is honored to have her accept our Lifetime Achievement Award,” he added.
The banquet will be held after the conclusion of CAIR’s October 19-20 Leadership and Policy Conference, themed “We the People, Organizing for Justice: Vision 2020,” also at the Crystal Gateway Marriott.
Conference attendees will learn the most up-to-date organizing skills from American Muslim leaders and civil rights activists who are on the front lines mobilizing for justice in today’s divisive political climate.
Read Also:
Su’ad Abdul Khabeer: Female Muslim Arrowhead of Destroying Racism
Feryal Salem: The Muslim Woman Who Trains US Chaplains
Katherine Bullock: Woman Leading Canada’s Largest Muslim Group
In 1992, al-Adawiya formed Women in Islam, an organization of Muslim women which focuses on human rights and social justice, to highlight women’s issues and empower their voices at global forums, including the United Nations.
She organizes and participates in conferences, symposia and other forums on Islam, Gender Equity, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Cultural Understanding, and Peace Building.
She also represents Muslim women’s Non-Governmental Organizations at United Nations forums.
She also serves as a consultant to numerous interfaith organizations and documentary projects on the Muslim American experience. Additionally, she serves on the boards of numerous organizations related to the interests of the global Islamic community.
For more than 30 years, she has worked closely with New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, where she is now the administrator for its scholars-in-residence program and coordinates Islamic input for the Black Religious Heritage Documentation Project.