ICNA is greatly disturbed by the hostage situation at the Synagogue of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas. We have learned that the situation is resolved by the law enforcement agencies and all the hostages are released safely.

As a faith-based representative Islamic organization, ICNA strongly reaffirms that Islam never condones such a crime – it is morally, religiously, and ethically unacceptable.

We stand together with the Jewish community to combat such acts of terror that discriminate against color, race or religion. Unfortunately, we are at a time when our national discourse has become extremely polarized. We ask for the community to let law enforcement do their work to get to the bottom of this unfortunate incident.

Last week ICNA CSJ and affiliates hosted a very insightful webinar on what we can learn from MLK. Imam Khalid Griggs and Prof. Jamel Coy Hudson. Please click on the button below to watch

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was a revolutionary during the struggle for civil rights amongst Black Americans. A popular figure whose impact is known throughout the country, culminating in a national holiday, MLK’s legacy is one that has been washed down in its intensity and intention. The American project has oft used Black revolutionaries and leaders to create appeasement with American-ness. Figures like MLK and Rosa parks are evoked to signify peaceful protest. Although the peaceful protest is a part of the legacy that MLK leaves behind, his views on civil rights, his misquoted speeches, and his radical views later in life are left out of the conversation on a day that claims to remember him.

A recent article by The Washington Post highlights the extraordinary amount of Americans who owned slaves not only prior to official emancipation of enslaved peoples, but after as well, especially during the 20th century. 

Through the effort by The Washington Post, a database shows members of Congress that enslaved Black people in 37 states, including states in the South, New England, Midwest, and Western states. 

Too many elected officials were slaveholders; now, we are seeing the consequences!