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47th Annual ISNA Convention in The News: Coverage of This Year's Events

Source: ISNA
 
(Plainfield, IN - July 14, 2010) More than 100 members of the local, national, and international media community attended the 47th Annual ISNA Convention, held over the July 4th weekend in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont Illinois.  The convention began on the morning of Friday July 2, 2010 with most major Chicago TV stations in attendance at the early afternoon press conference.
 
According to ISNA Secretary General Safaa Zarzour, "One of the main priorities for ISNA is to educate the public about the positive accomplishments of the Muslim community and one major tool in this endeavor is the media," adding, "The media is far-reaching and can assist us in communicating the positive image of Islam throughout America and the world."

Requests for interviews with speakers and ISNA leadership were made by many, including: CNN, PBS, the Chicago Daily Herald, WGN-TV, Bridges TV, Pakistan Express News, Voice of America, and more.  Special media coverage included topics ranging from youth leadership opportunities in the Muslim community and through ISNA, with special interviews of Suhaib Webb; female empowerment in Islam, with special interviews of Dr. Mattson; messages of compassion from main sessions and more.
 
In addition to the positive media coverage surrounding the weekend's events and the convention's theme, "Nurturing Compassionate Communities: Connecting Faith to Service," many local and national organizations worked diligently to publicize the theme, speakers, and opportunities for the community at this year's convention.  Most notably, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), Zakat Foundation, Interfaith Chicago, United Methodist Communications, and the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).
 
Zarzour expressed gratitude to all members of the community for their participation as attendees, media, supporters, speakers, and leaders, stating, "We are very lucky to have the generous and dedicated support of so many members of the community."  He added, "Chicago has welcomed us with open arms and we look forward to next year's convention here again, over July 4th weekend, and for continued relationships with the media for the positive benefit of our community."
 
To access media coverage of this year's convention events, click on any of the links below and visit us at www.isna.net for videos, photos and more.

ABC Chicago, "Islamic group hold annual convention"

Chicago Daily Herald, "Compassion a two-way street at annual Muslim convention"

Washington Post, "The emerging American Muslim civic identity"

Chicago Sun Times, "Muslim convention to shine a light on hate: survey of 3,000 to track effects of Islamaphobia"

CNN, "What the largest American Muslim conference meant to attendees"

PBS, "ISNA holds annual meeting"

**** (stay tuned for special interview on PBS of Suhaib Webb regarding youth leadership from the annual convention)
CNN, "American Muslim convention scholar urges stifling extremists"

CNN, "Female leaders speak at largest Muslim convention in U.S."

Chicago Breaking News via AP, "Muslim group holds annual convention in Rosemont"

Musalman Times, "Claiming the American Muslim civic identity-through the ages"

America.gov, "National Muslim convention highlights faith and community"

  
Contact:
Sarah Thompson, Communications Coordinator
sthompson@isna.net
317-839-8157