| From | Muslims for Progressive Values <[email protected]> |
| Subject | A Mosaic of Activities |
| Date | July 10, 2024 2:18 PM |
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MPV Newsletter
July 2024
President's Note
A Mosaic of Activities
On June 30th, MPV held Phase I of the Muslim Musical Mosaic Project, a humanities and arts project we’ve been working on for
the past seven months, thanks to the support of California Humanities a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the
Humanities, our long time friends Jim Kaufman and Marz Atta, and our many donors.
It was a wonderful afternoon of nourishment for the brain and heart with history, genre bending musical performances, and
culture. The vision of Phase I of the Project was to develop an authentic American tradition that would create a positive
emotional memory for a community that has, and continues to be, demonized and marginalized, and in doing so, pay homage to
the various traditions that make up American Muslim culture.
A six-member cohort (pictured below) made up of historians and musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds gathered over the
months to co-create original pieces and produce works that stretched our musical expressions, while staying rooted in our
individual heritages.
As creator and producer of the project, I gave the opening remarks ( [link removed] ) before the program ( [link removed] )
began, anchoring the project’s vision with the historical and anthropological contributions of Muslims to America’s music
culture. Alfred Madain’s presentation, “The History of Gnawa Music ( [link removed] )” introduced the historical journey,
beginning with the roots of Sufisim and the musicality of the Sufi’s spiritual practice and its evolution to Gnawa, a musical
genre created by West Africans enslaved in Morocco. Together we performed a Gnawa song ( [link removed] ) in
Arabic and in English.
LuFuki’s presentation, “Black Muslim Influence on Music in America ( [link removed] )” connected the evolution of songs from
the enslaved in America to what we know now was Blues, Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. It is said that one-third of the enslaved
individuals brought to the United States were Muslims, and his presentation drew a clear link between the intonation of the
field call of the enslaved to the distinctive West African Muslim prayers. LuFuki also delved into the lives of Muslim jazz
musicians and how their conversion to Islam offered them the opportunity to free themselves from the religion of their
enslavers. Additionally, in learning and speaking Arabic, these early Black American Muslims gained access to spaces that
were off limits to Black Americans, but not Black foreigners, during the Jim Crow era.
The musical performance of Blues Salawat ( [link removed] ) was Tazeen Ayub’s form of spiritual expression in
Arabic over a blues track, followed by my song “In My Soul ( [link removed] )”, a new genre I refer to as
Islamic Hymns. The song’s lyrics are inspired by a poem by a female Sufi saint, Rabi’a Al-Adawiyya (also known as Rabi’a
al-Basri) from 7th century Iraq, set to my original composition in the classical genre. The song begins with:
“In my soul there is a temple, a shrine, a mosque, a church where I kneel.
Prayer should bring us to an altar where no walls or names exist”
Aiman Khan performed “Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim ( [link removed] )” which translates to “the merciful and the
compassionate”, followed by a performance by Farah Mitha “One Love, One Heart ( [link removed] )” a song
developed using a percussive rhythm from the Nubian tradition.
The event concluded with a brief question and answer session, which allowed myself and my fellow cohort members to address
the censorship of the arts in Muslim communities in the United States and Europe, a topic that will serve as the foundation
of Phase 2 of the project.
Click on the hyperlinks for videos and presentations!
Onward and upward…
Ani Zonneveld,
President & Founder
UN Updates
MPV is affiliated with two events at the High-Level Political Forum in New York.
Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 1:00-2:30 pm
You are invited to Gender Equality in Law: Action Needed to Achieve SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda, an official side event of the
2024 High-Level Political Forum, at UN Women Headquarters. This event is sponsored by the Steering Committee of Equality in
Law for Women and Girls by 2030 ( [link removed] ), and will
increase support and allies’ capacity for action to achieve gender-responsive legislation and advance state commitments and
global goals pertaining to gender equality, including SDG16. Speakers include affected activists as well as high-level
representatives from the Secretary-General’s Office, UN Women, Member State missions, and the World Bank.
Please register here ( [link removed] )
to join us in person. Due to limited seating, in person attendance is reserved for official participants in the UN High Level
Political Forum on Sustainable Development, including government, UN, and participating HLPF civil society representatives.
All other interested attendees are warmly invited to participate online by registering at this link ( [link removed] ). Arabic and French interpretation will be available to
online attendees.
For any questions, please visit the event website ( [link removed] ). We look forward
to welcoming you to UN Women soon.
RSVP to attend online ( [link removed] )
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The Multi-Faith Advisory Council will hold an “Interfaith Collaboration as an Imperative for Building a Sustainable Future”
forum.
For the concept note and program outline please visit here ( [link removed] ).
To register (for both in-person or virtual): Webinar Registration - Zoom ( [link removed] )
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Essays on Progressive Islam Launch
Now Available on MPV’s website store! Dr. Adis Duderija has spent 20 years researching and studying progressive Islam. In
this newly published collection of essays, Dr. Duderija explores different aspects of progressive Islam, including how it is
defined, its philosophical and metaphysical ideas, its social and political implications, its cultural and civilizational
dimensions, and its economic relevance. Get your copy below!
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
Image
National Updates
Scholarly Insights - Unit 1 Launch
To supplement the different units of our recently launched Progressive Islam Curriculum ( [link removed] ), MPV is partnering with different scholars of Islam to highlight the
academic basis of the content of the curriculum. This month Ani Zonneveld was fortunate to speak with Dr. John Andrew Morrow,
an academic and author of one of our favorite books, "The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the
World", about Unit 1 of the curriculum, "What is Islam?". You can watch his insights below.
Watch His Insights ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Unit 3 Is Live!
MPV is proud to announce the launch of Unit 3 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum - Hermeneutics of Progressive Islam! Unit 3
introduces readers to the science of hermeneutics and the various ways that hermeneutics can be used to understand Islam in a
progressive way. The unit also reviews the hermeneutical approaches of 3 scholars to highlight the diversity of the tradition
and underscore intersecting themes used to read human rights in the Qur’an.
You can download Unit 1, 2, and 3 of the curriculum on our website below!
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Toolkit Launch
Muslims for Progressive Values is proud to announce the publishing of the Mental Health Counseling of LGBTQ+ Muslims Toolkit.
Written by Afnan Elmaghrabi, the toolkit is a culturally competent training program designed for formal and informal mental
health counselors to compassionately and appropriately work with LGBTQ+ Muslims. Download the toolkit and learn more about
the training program below.
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
National Updates
MPV Arabic
We are excited to share that we’ll be launching an MPV-Arabic page in August. Stay tuned for further updates!
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Boston - Eastern Edge
Muslims for Progressive Values-Boston chapter hosted the show "Eastern (Edge): Welcoming Spring with Music and Art” on June
9th at the Cambridge Public Library. The contents ranged from traditional singing to experimental performance, as well as
visual art that engages both tradition and modernity. The visual artists on display included Nadia Khan ( [link removed] ) (top right), Sehr Yaqoob and Sameeta Ahmed ( [link removed] ) (top left). The performers included: Ammara Nawaz Khan,
Maia Majumder, Mustufa Taj, Tamanna Syed, Alaa Aldeen Kayali, Sami Saifullah as well as Sameeta Ahmed.
The Co-Director of MPV-Boston, Kandeel Javid expressed in the intro that “Islam has strong roots of Arts and Music since the
7th century, and the Arts connects us to the rest of the world and it is crucial”. Co-Director Nadia Khan stated that “we
celebrate the divine aspects of Al-Musawwir, the shaper of all forms, and the speaker of “kun faya kun” (Be! and it is). Our
love for beauty brings us closer together and to the One who connects us all”.
The event was co-sponsored by these organizations: Boston South Asian Coalition (BSAC), Coalition for a Democratic India,
Hindus for Human Rights, Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL)-Boston and SouthAsia Peace Action Network (SAPAN).
National Updates
MPV Boston
MPV-Boston participated in ‘No Pride in Genocide’ march (top) that took place in Providence, RI with our comrades Party of
Socialism and Liberation RI ( [link removed] ). We demand for a #Ceasefire
now in Palestine.
MPV-Boston was also delighted to have their first ever Eid-ul Adha (bottom) communal prayer with in-person and virtual
attendees. Community members enjoyed the sermon on the importance of gender inclusive prayers spaces for women and
marginalized minorities.
Get Involved with MPV Boston ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV New York
The New York chapter of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) celebrated Eid al-Adha with a vibrant potluck, welcoming many
new participants to the community. The event was honored by the presence of staff from Assemblyman Steven Raga’s office, who
joined in the festivities, showcasing their support for the inclusive and community-driven spirit of MPV-NY.
Get Involved with MPV New York ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
MPV NY
Join MPV NY for a night of games and camaraderie on Saturday July 20 from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM at Hex & Co! There’s limited
space available so make sure to get your tickets below ASAP. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP Here! ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Chicago July Meet Up
Thank you to those that joined our “MPV Chicago Restart” meeting in June. We continue to be excited about the opportunity to
restart and grow our Chicago community ( [link removed] ).
July 30: MPV-Chicago will be hosting our monthly meetup. Additional details can be found at the link below!
RSVP Here! ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
Please visit the Meetup.com page ( [link removed] ) for activities in Los Angeles.
LA Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Please visit the DC Meetup.com ( [link removed] ) for activities in Washington DC
DC Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Image
Blog Updates
Last month, Muslims across the world traveled to Mecca to make hajj but devastating news came from this holy pilgrimage, with
hundreds succumbing to heat exhaustion. Our new piece on the blog, by guest writing Mustafa Haque, details the impact that
climate change and extreme weather will have on the pilgrimage and the steps that need to be taken to prevent future
tragedy.
Read Here ( [link removed] )
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Image
MPV Newsletter
July 2024
President's Note
A Mosaic of Activities
On June 30th, MPV held Phase I of the Muslim Musical Mosaic Project, a humanities and arts project we’ve been working on for
the past seven months, thanks to the support of California Humanities a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the
Humanities, our long time friends Jim Kaufman and Marz Atta, and our many donors.
It was a wonderful afternoon of nourishment for the brain and heart with history, genre bending musical performances, and
culture. The vision of Phase I of the Project was to develop an authentic American tradition that would create a positive
emotional memory for a community that has, and continues to be, demonized and marginalized, and in doing so, pay homage to
the various traditions that make up American Muslim culture.
A six-member cohort (pictured below) made up of historians and musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds gathered over the
months to co-create original pieces and produce works that stretched our musical expressions, while staying rooted in our
individual heritages.
As creator and producer of the project, I gave the opening remarks ( [link removed] ) before the program ( [link removed] )
began, anchoring the project’s vision with the historical and anthropological contributions of Muslims to America’s music
culture. Alfred Madain’s presentation, “The History of Gnawa Music ( [link removed] )” introduced the historical journey,
beginning with the roots of Sufisim and the musicality of the Sufi’s spiritual practice and its evolution to Gnawa, a musical
genre created by West Africans enslaved in Morocco. Together we performed a Gnawa song ( [link removed] ) in
Arabic and in English.
LuFuki’s presentation, “Black Muslim Influence on Music in America ( [link removed] )” connected the evolution of songs from
the enslaved in America to what we know now was Blues, Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. It is said that one-third of the enslaved
individuals brought to the United States were Muslims, and his presentation drew a clear link between the intonation of the
field call of the enslaved to the distinctive West African Muslim prayers. LuFuki also delved into the lives of Muslim jazz
musicians and how their conversion to Islam offered them the opportunity to free themselves from the religion of their
enslavers. Additionally, in learning and speaking Arabic, these early Black American Muslims gained access to spaces that
were off limits to Black Americans, but not Black foreigners, during the Jim Crow era.
The musical performance of Blues Salawat ( [link removed] ) was Tazeen Ayub’s form of spiritual expression in
Arabic over a blues track, followed by my song “In My Soul ( [link removed] )”, a new genre I refer to as
Islamic Hymns. The song’s lyrics are inspired by a poem by a female Sufi saint, Rabi’a Al-Adawiyya (also known as Rabi’a
al-Basri) from 7th century Iraq, set to my original composition in the classical genre. The song begins with:
“In my soul there is a temple, a shrine, a mosque, a church where I kneel.
Prayer should bring us to an altar where no walls or names exist”
Aiman Khan performed “Ya Rahman, Ya Rahim ( [link removed] )” which translates to “the merciful and the
compassionate”, followed by a performance by Farah Mitha “One Love, One Heart ( [link removed] )” a song
developed using a percussive rhythm from the Nubian tradition.
The event concluded with a brief question and answer session, which allowed myself and my fellow cohort members to address
the censorship of the arts in Muslim communities in the United States and Europe, a topic that will serve as the foundation
of Phase 2 of the project.
Click on the hyperlinks for videos and presentations!
Onward and upward…
Ani Zonneveld,
President & Founder
UN Updates
MPV is affiliated with two events at the High-Level Political Forum in New York.
Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 1:00-2:30 pm
You are invited to Gender Equality in Law: Action Needed to Achieve SDG 16 and the 2030 Agenda, an official side event of the
2024 High-Level Political Forum, at UN Women Headquarters. This event is sponsored by the Steering Committee of Equality in
Law for Women and Girls by 2030 ( [link removed] ), and will
increase support and allies’ capacity for action to achieve gender-responsive legislation and advance state commitments and
global goals pertaining to gender equality, including SDG16. Speakers include affected activists as well as high-level
representatives from the Secretary-General’s Office, UN Women, Member State missions, and the World Bank.
Please register here ( [link removed] )
to join us in person. Due to limited seating, in person attendance is reserved for official participants in the UN High Level
Political Forum on Sustainable Development, including government, UN, and participating HLPF civil society representatives.
All other interested attendees are warmly invited to participate online by registering at this link ( [link removed] ). Arabic and French interpretation will be available to
online attendees.
For any questions, please visit the event website ( [link removed] ). We look forward
to welcoming you to UN Women soon.
RSVP to attend online ( [link removed] )
Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
The Multi-Faith Advisory Council will hold an “Interfaith Collaboration as an Imperative for Building a Sustainable Future”
forum.
For the concept note and program outline please visit here ( [link removed] ).
To register (for both in-person or virtual): Webinar Registration - Zoom ( [link removed] )
RSVP Here ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Essays on Progressive Islam Launch
Now Available on MPV’s website store! Dr. Adis Duderija has spent 20 years researching and studying progressive Islam. In
this newly published collection of essays, Dr. Duderija explores different aspects of progressive Islam, including how it is
defined, its philosophical and metaphysical ideas, its social and political implications, its cultural and civilizational
dimensions, and its economic relevance. Get your copy below!
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
Image
National Updates
Scholarly Insights - Unit 1 Launch
To supplement the different units of our recently launched Progressive Islam Curriculum ( [link removed] ), MPV is partnering with different scholars of Islam to highlight the
academic basis of the content of the curriculum. This month Ani Zonneveld was fortunate to speak with Dr. John Andrew Morrow,
an academic and author of one of our favorite books, "The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the
World", about Unit 1 of the curriculum, "What is Islam?". You can watch his insights below.
Watch His Insights ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Unit 3 Is Live!
MPV is proud to announce the launch of Unit 3 of the Progressive Islam Curriculum - Hermeneutics of Progressive Islam! Unit 3
introduces readers to the science of hermeneutics and the various ways that hermeneutics can be used to understand Islam in a
progressive way. The unit also reviews the hermeneutical approaches of 3 scholars to highlight the diversity of the tradition
and underscore intersecting themes used to read human rights in the Qur’an.
You can download Unit 1, 2, and 3 of the curriculum on our website below!
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
National Updates
Toolkit Launch
Muslims for Progressive Values is proud to announce the publishing of the Mental Health Counseling of LGBTQ+ Muslims Toolkit.
Written by Afnan Elmaghrabi, the toolkit is a culturally competent training program designed for formal and informal mental
health counselors to compassionately and appropriately work with LGBTQ+ Muslims. Download the toolkit and learn more about
the training program below.
Download Here! ( [link removed] )
National Updates
MPV Arabic
We are excited to share that we’ll be launching an MPV-Arabic page in August. Stay tuned for further updates!
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Boston - Eastern Edge
Muslims for Progressive Values-Boston chapter hosted the show "Eastern (Edge): Welcoming Spring with Music and Art” on June
9th at the Cambridge Public Library. The contents ranged from traditional singing to experimental performance, as well as
visual art that engages both tradition and modernity. The visual artists on display included Nadia Khan ( [link removed] ) (top right), Sehr Yaqoob and Sameeta Ahmed ( [link removed] ) (top left). The performers included: Ammara Nawaz Khan,
Maia Majumder, Mustufa Taj, Tamanna Syed, Alaa Aldeen Kayali, Sami Saifullah as well as Sameeta Ahmed.
The Co-Director of MPV-Boston, Kandeel Javid expressed in the intro that “Islam has strong roots of Arts and Music since the
7th century, and the Arts connects us to the rest of the world and it is crucial”. Co-Director Nadia Khan stated that “we
celebrate the divine aspects of Al-Musawwir, the shaper of all forms, and the speaker of “kun faya kun” (Be! and it is). Our
love for beauty brings us closer together and to the One who connects us all”.
The event was co-sponsored by these organizations: Boston South Asian Coalition (BSAC), Coalition for a Democratic India,
Hindus for Human Rights, Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL)-Boston and SouthAsia Peace Action Network (SAPAN).
National Updates
MPV Boston
MPV-Boston participated in ‘No Pride in Genocide’ march (top) that took place in Providence, RI with our comrades Party of
Socialism and Liberation RI ( [link removed] ). We demand for a #Ceasefire
now in Palestine.
MPV-Boston was also delighted to have their first ever Eid-ul Adha (bottom) communal prayer with in-person and virtual
attendees. Community members enjoyed the sermon on the importance of gender inclusive prayers spaces for women and
marginalized minorities.
Get Involved with MPV Boston ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV New York
The New York chapter of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) celebrated Eid al-Adha with a vibrant potluck, welcoming many
new participants to the community. The event was honored by the presence of staff from Assemblyman Steven Raga’s office, who
joined in the festivities, showcasing their support for the inclusive and community-driven spirit of MPV-NY.
Get Involved with MPV New York ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
MPV NY
Join MPV NY for a night of games and camaraderie on Saturday July 20 from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM at Hex & Co! There’s limited
space available so make sure to get your tickets below ASAP. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP Here! ( [link removed] )
Image
Chapter Updates
MPV Chicago July Meet Up
Thank you to those that joined our “MPV Chicago Restart” meeting in June. We continue to be excited about the opportunity to
restart and grow our Chicago community ( [link removed] ).
July 30: MPV-Chicago will be hosting our monthly meetup. Additional details can be found at the link below!
RSVP Here! ( [link removed] )
Chapter Updates
Please visit the Meetup.com page ( [link removed] ) for activities in Los Angeles.
LA Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Please visit the DC Meetup.com ( [link removed] ) for activities in Washington DC
DC Meet Up ( [link removed] )
Image
Blog Updates
Last month, Muslims across the world traveled to Mecca to make hajj but devastating news came from this holy pilgrimage, with
hundreds succumbing to heat exhaustion. Our new piece on the blog, by guest writing Mustafa Haque, details the impact that
climate change and extreme weather will have on the pilgrimage and the steps that need to be taken to prevent future
tragedy.
Read Here ( [link removed] )
Facebook ( [link removed] )
Twitter ( [link removed] )
Instagram ( [link removed] )
LinkedIn ( [link removed] )
Hey, would you like to see more of MPV in your feed?Connect with us on our social platforms!
click here ( --UNSUBSCRIBE_ALT-- )-->
MPV · 1465 Tamarind Ave., Suite 702 · Los Angeles · California · 90028
Preferences ( [link removed] )
|
Unsubscribe ( [link removed] )
This email was sent to [email protected].
Click here to view the online version. ( [link removed] )
Message Analysis
- Sender: Muslims for Progressive Values
- Political Party: n/a
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: n/a
- Office: n/a