May 20, 2010

MPAC-WNY recently held its 6th annual banquet bringing together the Muslim American community in Buffalo with public officials to highlight MPAC's dynamic work for the past year.  Leaders from Buffalo both in government and civil society came to highlight the work, which MPAC has engaged in both on the local and national level.

Mayor Byron Brown the Mayor of the city of Buffalo welcomed the guests and hailed the achievements of Muslim American in the city and the leadership MPAC has provided both to the Muslim American community and the city at large. The Mayor also presented two awards, which MPAC-WNY gave to community leaders who have made a positive contribution to dialogue and understanding in the city. The honorees included the Westminster Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Yorty for their leadership in building programs of understanding between the Muslim American community and their local congregation and community leaders Ahmed Jamil, who has worked tirelessly for over 30 years to ensure that the voices of Muslim Americans have been heard in the public square. 

The keynote speaker for the evening was Bradley Steffens, author of the book "Ibn Al-Haytham: First Scientist" a "fine blend of history and science biography, which highlights the contributions of the great Muslim scientist and his work as a founding father of modern science.

The MPAC-Western New York chapter has been one of the most active and engaged communities in the northwest region for many years. The community has been active both within the Muslim American communities and outreach to the broader society.

- Haris Tarin (haris@mpac.org)
Director of the Washington, DC Office