MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Interfaith and other non-profit organizations are inviting the public to join in celebration of the 13th annual Muslims in Memphis celebrations during March.
Every year, the Muslim community hosts a series of informative and exciting events to promote understanding, opportunity for fellowship and interaction with persons of the Muslim faith. The month-long celebration will feature the following activities/events:
- March 1: Mayor AC Wharton is expected to be present to spotlight the problem of world hunger as volunteers from across the city of Memphis participate in the annual “Stop the Hunger” campaign. For the second year, volunteers representing non-profit organizations around the city will meet at 1 p.m. at Pleasant View School, 1888 Bartlett Road in Memphis, to bag up food in packages that will be shipped out to hunger relief centers around the world. The meals include such items as: rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and vitamins. Last year, hundreds of Memphis volunteers helped to package over 50,000 meals in a two-hour period. For more information, visit www.stophungernow.org, or contact Memphis Interfaith at http://memphisinterfaith.org/event/stop-hunger-now/.
- March 7: The public is invited to join in an open discussion with CNN contributor Theresa Corbin, founder of Islamwich and contributor to the popular magazines, “On Islam” and “Aquila Style.” Corbin will be featured at the Great Hall in Germantown,1801 Exeter Road, 6:30 p.m-9 p.m. March 7. Corbin, who grew up Catholic, saud, “I am a Muslim, but I wasn’t always. I converted to Islam in November 2001, two months after 9/11.” Come and hear the story about her struggles and controversial faith journey.
- March 16: Islam Heritage Night at the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies will help to bring attention to Muslims in Memphis month when they play the Denver Nuggets on March 16 at the FedEx Forum. Participants are invited to participate in Pre-game activities from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Contact Mohamed Fofana at (901) 205-1443 or mfofana@grizzlies.com.
- March 21: Want to burst your side with laughter? Then, you don’t want to miss Kosher & Halal comedy night featuring Muslim comedian Omar Regan and Jewish comedian Samson Koletkar, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the University Center on the University of Memphis campus, 255 University Center. In previous shows, Regan’s act has featured a rendition of what Michael Jackson might do if he had been Muslim. Koletkar, who is Indian, was featured on America’s Got Talent and has a quick-witted show with jokes about life in America.
- March 29: Do you have questions about radical groups that you’ve heard or read about in the news? You can get your answers to your questions in an open forum titled, “The Truth about Radical Groups,” presented by Rhodes College professor Dr. Yasir Qadhi. He holds a Ph.D. in Islamic studies from Yale University and is currently the resident scholar at the Memphis Islamic Center. This lecture will also be held at the Great Hall in Germantown.
These are just a few of the events that are planned for the Muslim in Memphis month-long celebration. To RSVP or to obtain ticket information, visit the Muslims in Memphis web site at muslimsinmemphis.org.
