Invitation to a Special Black History Month Weekend: "America in the History of Islam"

It's simple. We need each other.

Assalamu Alaikum,

We are honored to invite you to a transformative weekend commemorating Black History Month, featuring our distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Will Caldwell. Dr. Caldwell has served as a Convert Care Coordinator and now as the Director of Education at Taleef. Embracing Islam in 2006 while in the blessed city of Jerusalem, during his journey toward priesthood, Dr. Caldwell has since dedicated his life to teaching foundational Islamic studies, delivering sermons, and providing pastoral care to seekers and newcomers. With a Ph.D. from Northwestern University focusing on the history of Islam in America, Dr. Caldwell brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insight to this special weekend.
This weekend will provide a deep exploration of the intersections between Black history, America and Islam, examining narratives that connect the past, present, and future. We have an inspiring series of events planned:

Weekend Schedule

• Friday, February 7th | 1:30 PM Friday Sermon (Jumuah) Dr. Will Caldwell will deliver the Friday sermon, setting the tone for the weekend with an uplifting khutbah.
• Friday, February 7th | 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM Evening Conversation with Shaykh Khalis Rashaad

Topic: How Can We Focus on the Diversity of Lived Experiences Without Flattening Them? Join us at Paperco Coffee for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about faith, identity, history and the Black Experience. 
 

 

Saturday, February 8th | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM _Seminar: "America in the History of Islam: Our Collective History"_This intensive seminar will dive into a wide array of topics, including:

• • Pre-Columbian Muslims: Exploring the traces of Muslim presence in America before colonization.
  • The Role of Islam in Early Resistance: The enduring legacy of Bilali Muhammad and enslaved Muslims on the plantations.
  • The African American Islamic Renaissance: The rise of the Moorish Science Temple, Noble Drew Ali, and the Nation of Islam.
  • Popular Culture and Counter-Narratives: How the media shaped perceptions of Islam through works like The Hate That Hate Produced.
  • The Assassination of Malcolm X: Understanding his revolutionary politics post-Hajj and how his legacy was sanitized.
  • The Evolution of Black Sunni Identity: Tracing the shift from nationalism to mainstream Sunni Islam and its implications.
  • COINTELPRO and its Aftermath: The governments role in disrupting Black Muslim movements.
  • Islam and Race Consciousness in the 20th Century: Figures like Edward Wilmot Blyden and their impact on Pan-Africanism and Black political Islam.
  • The Present Challenges of American Muslim Identity: How the history of surveillance and systemic challenges shapes todays community.
• | Lunch and Suhba Enjoy a delicious meal and connect with other attendees to foster meaningful discussions and community building.
• | Q&A and Closing Reflections Engage in a lively question-and-answer session and reflect on how we can apply the lessons of history to our current challenges as individuals and as a community.

This weekend is a unique opportunity to celebrate Black History Month by honoring the contributions of Black Muslims to the history of Islam in America. It is a chance to learn, reflect, and build connections while deepening our understanding of the profound legacy we are part of.
We encourage you to bring your family, friends, and community members to this enriching experience.

Warmest Regards,
IIC Team

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