On Thursday, November 8th and Wednesday, November 14th, CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed gave a presentation about Islam and Muslims to students at Columbus State Community College. The students were enrolled in a program to become American Sign Language (ASL). interpreters. Between both days, Hameed spoke to four different classes.
He discussed the challenges faced by American-Muslims and talked about the various ways in which CAIR-Columbus serves the local community. He also educated the students on foundational Islamic beliefs and practices to help the future ASL interpreters become more culturally competent when interacting with Muslims.
“It is encouraging to see future American Sign Language interpreters take an active interest in the Muslim community,” Hameed said. “Events like these present opportunities to work towards a more inclusive and just society in which people’s differences are appreciated, not feared or hated.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. The CAIR-Ohio affiliate has three chapters in Ohio – Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. Their mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.