December 17, 2010

Immigration. Islamophobia. U.S.-Muslim world relations. Violent extremism. Civil rights. Bigotry. Civic engagement. War. Reform. We as a country have reason to be concerned about all of these issues, and it is time for introspection in the midst of these challenges that face us all. Dialogue must take place, not just among Muslim Americans, but also with other communities that share a common commitment to a better and more just America.

It is time to move beyond lofty rhetoric and tackle these challenges head on. MPAC is doing exactly that. On Saturday, December 18th, we will host our 10th annual convention, bringing together some of the best minds and powerful voices for two thought-provoking conversations about "The State of Our Union: Race, Religion & American Identity" and "The State of Our Community: Facing Our Challenges."

The convention will include White House officials, including Rashad Hussain (Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference), Dr. Ahmed Zewail (Nobel Laureate & President Obama's Science Envoy to the Middle East), alongside Christian leaders, civil rights activists, academics, media professionals, and Muslim leaders and scholars.

No matter where you are, you can join the conversation by logging into the live webcast on our website, or watching it on C-SPAN in the coming weeks.

As the history of other American communities has shown, the solution must come from within. This is your chance to be a witness to much-needed dialogue within Muslim communities about their identity, their aspirations and their challenges in the American mosaic. Plus, it's a unique opportunity to examine how America's challenges are affecting many diverse communities -- Christian, Muslim, Asian, Latino, African American, secular -- all at once. As God reminds humanity in the Quran, He "will not change the condition of a people until they change it within themselves." (13:11)

We hope this event will be a step toward that change.