My first six weeks at MCN have been nothing short of a whirlwind. From tabling events to awareness sessions, from celebrations to voter registrations, every day has been brimming with energy, purpose, and relentless commitment. Running at a hundred miles per hour might sound overwhelming, but it's been invigorating, to say the least.
One of the aspects I've cherished most is getting outdoors, connecting directly with New York's vibrant communities. Meeting face-to-face, feeling the pulse of the city, understanding its diverse narratives — these moments have been invaluable.
However, while we celebrate our highs at MCN, we remain conscious of the challenges and lows faced by the broader NYC and global community. It's a poignant reminder of our mission and duty. It has been an absolute honor to serve, assist, and envision programming that uplifts and empowers the Muslim community across this magnificent city.
I'm approaching my two-month mark with MCN's 21st Anniversary Gala. This isn't just a celebration of MCN but also a celebration of the journey, the partnerships, and the potential ahead. Our talented MC for the evening, Omar Regan, promises to fill the night with laughter and joy. I am particularly excited about our honorees - Pranvera Mamudi, Adama Bah, and Abdul Kareem Abdullah. Their contributions are emblematic of the tremendous spirit of our community and serve as beacons of positivity, reshaping narratives every day.
If you haven't yet, there's still time to grab a ticket. We hope to see our entire community there, celebrating our collective journey and looking ahead to the promising horizons.
See you on Sunday, October 22nd, from 6 PM - 9 PM. Let's make #MCNTURNS21 a night to remember!
Warmly,
Husein Yatabarry
Executive Director, MCN
Advocacy
MCN Serves - Soup Kitchen At the heart of community collaboration, we took a significant step in fostering interfaith unity. Partnering with the Church of Holy Trinity, we proudly distributed over 100 meals to those in need. This initiative not only filled bellies but also bridged hearts, showcasing the profound impact of interfaith solidarity in action. We believe that such gestures of unity are the building blocks for a more harmonious society.
District 14 Community Event AjiFanta and Fatimah recently collaborated for a community tabling session, showcasing MCN's diverse programming. They had the distinct pleasure of engaging with Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez in District 14, highlighting our dedication to serve communities across the city.
Voter Education In addition to emphasizing the importance of knowing one's rights, we are keen to encourage our community to actively participate in a foundational pillar of our democratic society: voting. MCN collaborates with various coalitions, including the APA Voice Coalition, to strategize ways to boost voter turnout during both local and national elections. This month, we took part in several of these coalition meetings. MCN is honored to represent the Muslim voice in these crucial conversations.
Community Education
Know Your Rights Workshop We conducted several Know Your Rights Workshops across the city, equipping our community members with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as New Yorkers and residents of this nation. In a society where the shadows of racism and bias still linger, understanding our inherent rights and protective measures against prejudice and violence is paramount.
Faithfully Sustainable Event with MYNYC Alumni
Our Youth coordinator Fatimah attended Faithfully Sustainable event alongside our alumni to hear discussions around environmental justice and the "Green Deen."
Concordia Forum Reception
Our Executive Director, Husein Yatabarry, alongside Dr. Yusef Salaam, Democratic City Council Primary winner in District 9 in Harlem, at the Concordia Forum Reception during UN SDG Summit Week.
MCN Visits NYC Emergency Management Offices
MCN Visits Malikah Exhibit at MOMA PS1
The team had an amazing experience visiting Malikah's exhibit at MOMA PS1. We enjoyed getting to learn the rich histories of 12 women who really are leaders in the Astoria Queens community. They exemplify the qualities of leadership through their subtle actions.
Leadership Development
Women and Girls Book Exchange
Attendees dove deep into the world of literature, partaking in a vibrant zine-making workshop and gaining insights from a panel of accomplished Muslim women authors. It wasn’t just about books; it was an opportunity to network, forge friendships, and draw inspiration for all the aspiring writers among us. To all book enthusiasts and budding authors - stay tuned for more such enriching events!
Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated funders and donors, we're able to drive our mission forward. It's your shared dream of a society where our children grow up in harmony with their neighbors, championing justice and equality, that fuels our endeavors.
Please consider furthering your support with a tax-deductible and zakat-eligible contribution to this noble cause.
