President Obama Congratulates American Muslims for ISNA's 50th Anniversary Convention

DC Mayor Gray Welcomes Muslims to the Nation's Capital in Inaugural Address

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Barack Obama released a video message congratulating American Muslims on the many achievements and contributions they have made to American society from its early history to present day.

The video, which will be aired today at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) annual convention, highlights the myriad of ways the American Muslim community, and specifically ISNA leadership, has served as an effective partner in promoting inter-religious initiatives in the U.S. and religious freedom for minorities around the world.

DC Mayor Vincent E. Gray, one of the convention's keynote speakers, also recognized the significance of the American Muslim experience at the inaugural address. In his speech, he connected the current day plight of American Muslims with the aspirations expressed in Dr. King's historic "I Have a Dream" speech 50 years ago.

"American Muslims come from diverse backgrounds and are present in all walks of life," said Imam Mohamed Magid, president of ISNA. "They are doctors, engineers, homemakers, volunteers as well as members of the Boy and Girls Scouts, school boards and city councils. And just like other religious communities, American Muslims have created institutions that serve both American Muslim communities and the wider public. We are a part of the fabric of American public life and need to see more collaboration between the different communities within our society. There are many issues of common concern that we can impact more significantly if we work together."

Keynote speakers include: Imam Mohamed Magid, President of the Islamic Society of North America; Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, Co-Founder of Zaytuna College; U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison; U.S. Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN); Carol Flett, Cathedral Interfaith Programs Coordinator; and Most Rev. Denis Madden, Chair, Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Ingrid Mattson, Islamic Studies Chair at the University of Western Ontario; Tariq Ramadan, Professor of Contemporary Islamic Studies at Oxford University, Hussain Syed Nasir, Professor of Islamic studies at George Washington University; Rabbi Rachel Kahn-Troster, Director of North American Programs, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights; and many more speakers.

To view a full copy of the program, please visit: http://www.isna.net/uploads/1/5/7/4/15744382/program_final_web_aug_20.pdf

CONTACT: Media professionals interested in interviewing convention speakers/attendees or attending the conference, should contact Rabiah Ahmed at 202-439-1441 or [email protected] for all requests.

About ISNA: Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), an Independent non-profit democratic institution, was originally founded in 1963 and is one of the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella associations in North America. Based out of Plainfield, Indiana, its mission is to provide Muslim organizations and individuals with a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations. Our office in Washington, DC works closely with the federal government and the interfaith community to build bridges of understanding with people of all faiths.

SOURCE Islamic Society of North America