AMC Congratulates the 1st American Muslim Leader to Deliver Benediction at the Republican National Convention (Washington D.C., July 28) For the first time in the history of the American Muslim community, a Muslim will deliver the benediction on the first day of the Republican Party's National Convention, which will take place in Philadelphia on Monday July 31st. It is the first time that a major political party's national convention will be addressed by a Muslim delivering the opening prayer. This truly is a remarkable milestone on behalf of the American Muslim community. Mr. Talat Othman, the chairman of the Washington D.C. based Islamic Institute, will be delivering the benediction. A Muslim delivering a prayer at the most important convention of a major political party illustrates the growing recognition of American Muslims. It is clear that the Muslim constituency in America plays a vital role in our country's political process as the community is being increasingly courted by policy makers. The visibility and recognition of our community will rise with its increased involvement. "This is an opportunity to congratulate Talat Othman and the leadership of the Republican Party for taking such a major symbolic step. We hope that the precedent will be followed by the Democratic National Convention, said Aly Abuzaakouk, AMC's Executive Director. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html ----------------------------------------------------------------------------