Islamic Society of Akron and Kent Community Outreach News

OUTREACH EFFORTS

Walsh Jesuit High School Student Visit

ISAK had the pleasure of welcoming a large and engaged group of around 260 students from Walsh Jesuit High School. The visit began with an introductory presentation on Islam by Br. Yaseen Shaikh, ISAK Director of Public Relations & Outreach, followed by powerful reflections and an engaging Q&A session with Shaykh Musa Sugapong. The students then visited the prayer hall to observe the Friday khutbah and salah, gaining a meaningful and respectful insight into Islam and its practice.

Were grateful for the thoughtful questions and shared commitment to learning and mutual respect shown by Mr. Lees class, as well as the schools dedication to interfaith understanding, especially in times of widespread misinformation and division.

EFFORTS & INITIATIVES

Interweaving Sacred Prayers Collaborative

Community Weaving Project

Dates:

Saturday, April 26, 2-4 PM

Thursday, May 8, 6-8 PM

Location: Summit Artspace, 140 E Market St, Akron, OH 44308

Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/interweaving-sacred-prayers-collaborative-tickets-1146440858469?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join the Womens Interfaith Spiritual Heritage and Akron Area Interfaith Council for a community weaving project! The event encourages people of all faiths, backgrounds, and cultures to contribute their prayers and reflections into a symbolic art project.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the Muslim community to engage in interfaith dialogue, share the beauty of Islam, and participate in a creative expression of unity.

Through this event, you can offer dawah by sharing the richness of Islamic traditions and better understand our fellow community members. Whether through weaving meaningful verses, sharing dua, or engaging in conversations, your presence can form understanding and connection. No weaving experience needed.

Inaugural Womens Luncheon & Panel

Date: Sunday, April 20th, 10:30 AM - 2 PM

Location: La Centre Banquet & Conference Facility, 25777 Detroit Rd #100, Westlake, OH 44145

Cost:

Early Bird General Admission (ends April 11) - $40

General Admission - $50

Student Admission - $40

Babysitting (10 and under) - $20

Registration Link: bit.ly/CAIR2Lead

A Journey through Sacred Activism

Book Club

Dates: Sunday, April 20th & 27th, 4 PM

Location: Algebra Tea House, 2136 Murray Hill Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Registration Link: bit.ly/4iUqizY

Sacred Activism by Imam Dawud Walid serves as a guide for Muslims committed to social justice, emphasizing the importance of staying true to Islamic values. It connects spiritual devotion with meaningful action, reminding readers that ultimate success comes from Allah.

"You are the best nation brought forth for humanity: you encourage what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah." (Quran 3:110)

Racial Justice & Equity Training Workshop Series

Dates:

April 10th, 6 PM - 8:30 PM - Beit Hanina Community Center, 10301 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44111

April 24th, 6 PM - 8:30 PM - First Cleveland Masjid, 3613 E 131st St, Cleveland, OH 44120

Registration Link: bit.ly/RJE2025

This three-part workshop series in April, hosted by CAIR-Ohios Cleveland Chapter and the Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community, will explore race, power, privilege, supremacy, and oppression within the Cleveland Muslim community. Featuring guest speakers and educators, the series aims to foster meaningful conversations about being one Ummah, promoting racial equity, and building authentic relationships with greater awareness and compassion.

The first workshop will feature Imam Abdelrahman Justin Wood, an American Imam and speaker from Columbus, Ohio. After converting to Islam at 17, he traveled to Makkah for advanced Islamic studies. He has since worked to help young American Muslims engage with Islam's relevance, focusing on youth initiatives in various communities. He also serves as Ameer of AlMaghrib's Columbus chapter.

Truth and Memory: The Nakba Then and Now

Date: Saturday, May 17th, 2-4PM (doors open at 1 PM)

Location: Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S High St. Akron, OH 44326

Nakba Remembrance Day, observed annually on May 15th, commemorates the Nakba ("catastrophe" in Arabic), marking the beginning of the mass displacement of Palestinians from their land. In 1948, Palestinians experienced the forced displacement of over 750,000 people and the massacre of numerous Palestinian villages. This marked the beginning of a history of persecution, occupation, and displacement for the Palestinian people.

This day serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing Palestinian struggle for justice and liberation. So join us for a day of reflection, remembrance, education, and art as we honor the Palestinian struggle for liberation and reclaim our narrative. This in-person event will feature guest speaker and author Rose Esber, Nakba survivor testimonies, poetry, and more!

Sunday Womens Boxing

Date: Sunday, April 20th, 11 AM - 12 PM, Arrive by 10:45 AM

Location: NEO Sports Plant, 20001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44117

Cost:

$40 per month

$15 per session

(First session is free)

Contact: (216) 710-6065

Website: revolutionfightandfitness.com

Sunday Womens Boxing offers a welcoming and empowering space for women from all walks of life, including those from the Muslim community. The program is designed to promote confidence, physical strength, and community support in an environment that respects modesty and Islamic values. Sessions will be led by Sr. Abrar Ghazy.

The gym will be fully closed off for the comfort and privacy of all participantsno men will be present.

CONVERT CONNECTION

INTERFAITH EFFORTS

AAIC Hunger Walk

Dates: Sunday, May 4th, 2 PM

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333

Donation Link: https://secure.fundhero.com/aaic/hungerwalk

NEW MEDIA CONTENT

Significance of Character in a Marriage | Shaykh Musa Sugapong - Click to Watch!

Follow ISAK on social media so you can stay in touch with the latest updates:

ISAK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISAKOhio/

ISAK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isak_community_center/

ISAK YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5C318Qnz7VYK5iZnn-HDsw

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING

Sudan Solidarity Celebration

Date: Saturday, April 19th, 5-9 PM

Location: The Hope Center, 15135 Triskett Rd, Cleveland, OH 44111

Registration Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvDYZpF9NmclEE5xImvOQZyVlf3cRf-n0pi7JDSkN8WX9yqQ/viewform

Join Team Palestine for the Cleveland Marathon

PCRF Cleveland

Date: Saturday, May 17th - Sunday, May 18th

Promo Code: PCRF20 for 20% off

Registration Link: https://raceroster.com/registration/164ceecf-29de-4ef5-af9a-10e930872290/entry?team=729058&teamEntryToken=RN7BW3FF4C

COMMUNITY MISSIONS

Tell Cuyahoga County Council - No More Money for Genocide!

Sign the Petition: bit.ly/cccbreakthebonds

Cuyahoga County is one of the largest investors in Israel Bonds in the United States, with a $16 million portfolio. This investment stands out as it is the only instance where local tax dollars are directly allocated to a foreign government. These funds could otherwise be utilized for significant local improvements, such as health, education, housing, food security, and environmental initiatives in Greater Cleveland. If you live in Cuyahoga County, sign this petition!

Support CAIR-Ohio in Defending American Muslims

Donate to CAIR-Ohio to assist in hiring a full-time attorney staff:https://www.zeffy.com/fundraising/donate-to-help-us-defend-american-muslim-civil-liberties

CAIR-Ohio Seeking to Hire a Staff Attorney

The Cleveland Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) is seeking a full-time or part-time Staff Attorney. Visit https://www.cair.com/careers/ohio/staff-attorney-cleveland-office/ for more information.

Aiming Higher Scholarship for Refugees

Scholarship Information: https://www.asiaohio.org/get-involved/scholarship-opportunities/

Application Deadline: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Application: bit.ly/AimingHigher25

Contact Person: Kelly Lee, [email protected]

AMENA Heritage Youth Research Study

Interest Form: https://bit.ly/3Rv2qY4

Participation Reward: $20 gift card

Contact Information:

Dr. Shereen Naser: [email protected]

Care Lab: [email protected]

Eligibility:

• Students of Arab, Middle Eastern, or North African heritage.

• Attending public high school in Northeast Ohio.

• Students under 18 will need parental consent to participate.

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