Assalaamu ‘Alaikum wa Rahmatullah,
Jazaakum Allahu Khair from the bottom of our hearts for making our 18th Annual Gala a resounding success. We were honored to have been joined by over 600 Houstonians who came together to make the event our most special ever, an inspiring evening, and a tremendous success.
We are especially thankful to our event volunteers, silent auction donors, and sponsors, who helped to make everything possible.
We began the evening with nasheeds and a recitation from the Quran by Fatimah Abidogun from Masjid Mumineen. The program was emceed by CAIR-Houston’s Board of Director, Rawan Harirah.
We were honored to have more than 10 elected officials in attendance and who have submitted proclamations.
Following these remarks, I spoke about CAIR-Houston’s achievements and work in the past 18 years. During the event, we reflected back on some of the tangible results your contributions have helped us accomplish and what we plan to do in the coming year.
Judge Rabeea Collier shared with the crowd why it was so critical to get civically engaged. Bahia Amawi inspired attendees with her story in challenging the State of Texas and shared the importance of investing in CAIR Houston’s crucial, grassroots civil rights work. The evening’s keynote speaker, Imam Khalid Latif, spoke about how to make effective change by strategizing, building strong community coalitions to actualize the values and principles we hold dear.
During the Gala, we also honored three individuals whose work has made a substantial impact in our community. We presented the:
- Political Activism Award to Cesar Espinosa, Executive Director of FIEL, for his dedication and work in fighting for justice and protection for immigrant communities.
- Ester L. King Bridge Builder Award to Mustafaa Carroll, former Executive Director of CAIR-Houston, for his lifelong dedication and work in activism and promoting justice.
- Courage in Justice Award to Bahia Amawi who in response to her own experience of employment termination went up against the State of Texas to challenge the BDS ruling.
For those who attended this year’s event, we want to hear your feedback. Please let us know what you thought by completing our Gala survey.
If you were not able to attend and are interested in contributing to our 2020 campaign, please visit our website at www.cairhouston.com/donate or click the image below.
With your support, you can help CAIR-Houston continue its work of fighting for our civil rights, defending our freedoms, and empowering American Muslims.
Jazaakum Allahu Khair to all of you for making our 18th Anniversary Gala a success and for your continued support of CAIR. Please keep our work, team, and community in your duas.
With Gratitude,
Lubabah Abdullah, Esq.
Executive Director of CAIR-Houston
