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** JANUARY HAPPENINGS
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January has been a busy month for us as we kicked off the new year with a film screening of the incredible documentary, "Stranger at the Gate." The story revolves around a former U.S. Marine, Mac McKinney, who intended to detonate an IED at his neighborhood mosque, but, instead, he was embraced by the Muslim community and eventually, converted to Islam. MCN moderated a panel discussion with the documentary's producer, Josh Seftel, Mr. McKinney, and members of civil society. If you haven't seen the film, you can check it out for free on Youtube ([link removed]) .




MCN wasn't only bringing the message of peace and hate crimes prevention at movie screenings, but also at the community and policy level. Our Advocacy Program Manager, Ms. Ajifanta Marenah participated in the city's "Breaking Bread, Building Bonds" program where we shared our findings on hate crimes experienced by Muslim New Yorkers. If you haven't read out report yet, check it out here. ([link removed]) “Muslim Community Network welcomes Mayor Adam's Breaking Bread, Building Bonds initiative,” said AjiFanta Marenah, advocacy program manager, Muslim Community Network. “As an organization working to fight the spread of hate crimes, we understand the significance of bringing communities of different backgrounds together to learn and build relationships with one another. In many of our cultures, sharing meals builds community, trust, and respect. We are excited and honored to participate in this crucial step towards reducing
hate crimes in New York City.”


MCN marked the beginning of the year with the terrible tragedy that shook all of New York, The Bronx fire that took the lives of 17 innocent members of our community. A vigil was held in memory of the victims. MCN is proud to have supported our community in its time of need by distributing more than $200,000 of donations given generously by our community at large to help alleviate the consequences of this crisis.

Our community-based education program around immigrant rights and hate crimes prevention continued, as we took the workshops to Masjid Ar-Rahman in the Bronx. Our community education coordinator, Wali Ullah, and Brooklyn Coordinator, Maryam Khaldi, presented on the rights our heavily immigrant communities have and what measured to take in the event of unlawful detention or violation of those rights.

Our Muslim Women's Empowerment program launched its 4th cohort this past Saturday. This time, we're in Queens, at the MAS Ibn Sina Center. We are gathering 25+ women in an 8-week program to teach them the importance of civic empowerment and how to get more involved in determining the future of their families and community. We're so excited about this partnership!

Our MYNYC Students are hard at work as they execute their community leadership projects. Check out some of the projects that are being undertaken, giving you an insight into the issues our youth are concerned about!

Our team was present at the International Religious Freedom Summit, held in Washington D.C. from Jan. 30th - 31st. Our team presented on the importance of youth involvement in the peacebuilding process, and how to prevent hate crimes against Muslim communities.

Closing out our month was our monthly soup kitchen where we cook and distribute 100+ meals to local veterans and food insecure individuals. Thanks again to our many volunteers who continue to show up for us and show up for the community each month!

As we plan for the rest of the year, we have much coming up. MCN is working at the frontlines of advocacy work to ensure the voices of Muslim New Yorkers, as well as religious minorities overall given our intersectional and interfaith work, are heard! Please join us tomorrow at our press conference to introduce Resolution 1257: Religious Diversity Education for NYC Public Schools bill. We are also planning for Ramadan events coming up, as well as a NYC Muslim Youth Summit for the summer!

Please help support our efforts and make a donation to advance the needs of Muslim New Yorkers and advance our cause at the political, social, and economic levels in our city!

MCN is a trusted organization in our community as detailed by Charity Navigator and Guidestar.


It is with your support that we can build a Muslim civil society-based institution advancing the narrative for Muslim Americans.
Please consider a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500 to help us continue building a Muslim institution that empowers our community!


With Gratitude,


Aniqa Nawabi
Executive Director
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