Wednesday, April 29, 2009

05-03-09 : Healing Project

April 20, 2009
The Healing Project
You are different, so what?

Sunday, May 3, 8:00 PM
Meyerson Symphony Orchestra

Also on May 4th and May 6th by the Turtle Creek Chorale featuring members of the dallas wind symphony.
Muslim Participation:

A moving tribute - as well as an extremely worthwhile project promoting mutual tolerance and respect -is being presented this Sunday and Monday. The Turtle Creek Choir will perform magnificent pieces from different religious and cultural traditions. Representatives of diverse groups will share personal stories of hardships and triumphs. They are performing an Islamic song entitled Zikr - incredibly, these 200+ men will be singing Hasbiya Llahu Laa Ilaaha Illa Llah on stage at the Meyerson Symphony! Details are below. They are honoring us, and it would be gratifying to see strong Muslim attendance to honor them and show all types of people that Islam respects them, no matter their faith or background. Sister Reem Alghonim and Mike have a small part in it and would also appreciate your support and presence.

SUNDAY, MAY 3 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 PRESENTED BY THE TURTLE CREEK CHORALE FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY

http://www.turtlecreek.org/index.php?/tcc/newspost/the_healing_project/

ORDER TICKETS

SUNDAY, MAY 3 AND WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
PRESENTED BY THE TURTLE CREEK CHORALE
FEATURING MEMBERS OF THE DALLAS WIND SYMPHONY

On Sunday, May 3 and Wednesday, May 6 at 8:00 PM at the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Turtle Creek Chorale will present THE HEALING PROJECT; a musical exploration of personal and communal courage during challenging times. Using poetry drawn from personal accounts and powerful, evocative music, we aim to promote awareness of the many similarities among various distinct communities, thus bringing them closer to healing as one greater community.

We, who would heal the world, must first-ourselves be healed,
yielding to a greater love, the human heart reveals. . .
calling to our better angels
to restore our dignity!

The words above come from Our Better Angels, a new work composed specifically for THE HEALING PROJECT by Jewish composer, Andrea Clearfield with text by Reverend Robert Espindola of the Community Church of Christ.

Dr. Jonathan Palant, Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director, says, “This concert explores the parallels between various minority communities using both personal accounts and symbolic music. Are the equal rights desired by one community any different than those desired by another? Are both deserving of the same equal rights? These simple questions are the premise of this concert.”

Joining the Turtle Creek Chorale on stage to offer personal accounts of courage and growth are: City of Dallas Councilmember, Hon. Pauline Medrano; Holocaust survivor, Marion Avery; Mike Ghouse, President of the World Muslim Congress; Mrs. Reem Alghonimi, a Muslim Leader; Bud Knight and Chet Flake, two gay men celebrating 44 years as a couple; and Cedric Neal, an African American member of the Dallas Theater Center’s Resident Actor Company.

Our Better Angels, a musical work composed by Dr. Andrea Clearfield with texts by Rev. Robert Espindola, will receive its world premiere at these concerts. This 35-minute work, commissioned by the Turtle Creek Chorale specifically for this concert series, is scored for men’s chorus, brass ensemble, percussion, harp and organ. Members of the Dallas Wind Symphony will accompany the Turtle Creek Chorale in these performances.

Dr. Andrea Clearfield is a prolific composer. Recent commissions include works for the Philadelphia Orchestra, Orchestra 2001, Network for New Music, the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and the Handel Society of Dartmouth College. Her choral cantata, Dream Variations, was recently premiered at Disney Hall with the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

Reverend Robert Espindola has been a professional librettist for eleven years. A professional educator and ordained minister, he graduated with honors from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. A teacher for twenty-two years, in 1992 Espindola was honored as one of California’s “Distinguished Educators.” A strong advocate for teenagers living with HIV/AIDS, Espindola was keynotes speaker at two national AIDS conferences, and in 1993, served as delegate at the International Conference on AIDS in Yokohama, Japan.

Tickets for THE HEALING PROJECT ($20-65) are available online at www.turtlecreek.org or by calling (877) SING-TCC.

About the Turtle Creek Chorale:

The Turtle Creek Chorale is an all-male chorus in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1980, the Chorale has over 200 members who volunteer more than 100,000 hours annually among rehearsals and service projects for those in the community. The Turtle Creek Chorale has released 37 compact discs and was the subject of an award-winning documentary in 2005 titled, The Power of Harmony.

To arrange interviews with the composer, librettist or conductor, please contact Robert Cole at (214) 526-3214 Ext. 102 or by email at rcole@turtlecreek.org.

Monday, April 27, 2009

05-09-09 : Shehzad Roy for Pakistan

That's one small step for a child, a giant leap for Pakistan

Spot #1

When Neil Armstrong stepped on moon on July 21, 1969 he made that famous statement. “That’s one small step for a man; a giant step for the mankind” Likewise, Shehzad Roy, renowned Pakistani pop singer and philanthropist has taken the initiative to facilitate a change in Pakistan through education for every Pakistani child. “That’s one small step for a child; a giant leap for Pakistan"

Shehzad Roy’s Zindagi Trust has started an innovative program to eliminate child labor in Pakistan. The “I am paid to learn” program takes working children off the streets and pays them to go to school.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Online purchase - http://zindagitrustdallas.eventbrite.com/

Spot # 2

Shehzad Roy’s brainchild, Zindagi Trust, has started an innovative program to eliminate child labor in Pakistan. The “I am paid to learn” program takes working children off the streets and pays them to go to school. Since its inception, 34 schools are in operation with 5300 students supported. “Be my buddy” program was created to sponsor the educational expenses of an assigned Zindagi trust student. For those who want to serve on a larger altruistic level, they can Sponsor a School. Please visit the website www.Zindagitrust.org for details.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Spot # 3

Shehzad Roy is breaking the cycle of child labor in Pakistan by opening urban schools in poor areas through the Zindagi Trust. Zindagi Trust is currently educating 2300 students and needs your support to continue making an impact in the lives of the underprivileged.

Hear more about his effort to eradicate illiteracy by attending the Fundraiser, Concert & Dinner on May 9th!

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Spot # 4


Hi, I am Shehzad Roy, Chairman of Zindagi Trust, and I am pleased to invite you to join me in learning about the innovative programs to remove illiteracy and child Labor from Pakistan. Our “I am paid to learn” takes working children off the streets and pays them to go to school. Since its inception, 34 schools are in operation with 5300 students supported. “Be my buddy” program was created to sponsor the educational expenses of an assigned Zindagi trust student. For those who want to serve on a larger altruistic level, they can Sponsor a School. Please visit the website www.Zindagitrust.org for details.

Shehzad Roy presents “Ek Shaam Zindagi Trust ke Naam” at 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 9th at Double Tree Hotel on LBJ at Midway. Oh yes, the pop Singer will perform as well. Tickets are available at the site www.Zindagitrust.org or you can call 214-529-5790 or 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

Please purchase your ticket from FunAsia, our exclusive Media partner in promoting this event. You can also call 214-529-5790 or 214-325-1916 for sponsorship and VIP Tickets.

05-08-09 : Queen Noor in Dallas

05-08-09 : Queen Noor in Dallas
Attn: Dr. Basheer Ahmed & Dr. Hind Jarrah

Dr. Basheer Ahmed and Dr. Hind Jarrah, two Muslim pioneers in Dallas are working tirelessly in creating a safe haven for women at disadvantage. I hope both of them can attend this event. Indeed, the Texas Muslim women’s foundation is having a fund raising dinner on May 2nd and hope you attend and support the event. Details at:

http://dallasmuslimcenter.blogspot.com/2009/04/05-02-09-texas-muslim-womens-dinner.html

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan to Speak at Genesis Women's Shelter's 16th Annual Mother's Day Luncheon
"Peace Begins at Home"

Genesis Women’s Shelter is pleased to announce that Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will be the keynote speaker at the organization’s 16th annual Genesis Mother’s Day Luncheon, “Peace on Earth Begins at Home,” Friday, May 8, 2009, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Landmark Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, 300 Reunion Blvd. Doors open at 11 a.m. Honorary Co-Chairs are Ruth Altshuler and her daughter Susan Sharp and Luncheon Co-Chairs are Joan Eleazer and her daughter Layne Pitzer.

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan is an international humanitarian activist and an outspoken voice on issues of world peace and justice. She has played a major role in promoting international exchange and understanding of Arab and Muslim culture and politics, Arab-Western relations, conflict prevention and recovery issues such as refugees, missing persons, poverty and disarmament. Her international conflict recovery and peacebuilding work over the past decade has focused on the Middle East, the Balkans, Central and Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa. Since 1980, the initiatives of the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF) which she chairs have advanced and modernized development thinking in Jordan by progressing beyond traditional charity oriented social welfare practices to integrate social development strategies more closely with national economic priorities. Queen Noor also chairs the King Hussein Foundation (NHF) and the King Hussein Foundation International (KHFI) founded in 1999 to promote and build on King Hussein’s humanitarian vision and legacy in Jordan and abroad.

Queen Noor was born Lisa Najeeb Halaby to an Arab American family distinguished for its public service. She married His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal of Jordan in 1978 and was renamed Queen Noor Al Hussein upon her conversion to Islam. Queen Noor has four children with King Hussein.

“Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan’s passion for peace throughout the world is a wonderful tie-in to Genesis Women’s Shelter’s work toward peace and safety for families at home,” said Jan Langbein, Genesis Women’s Shelter Executive Director and immediate past Senior Policy Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). “We are so grateful for the support of this community which enables us to provide safety, shelter and services to thousands of area women and children in need.”

This year Genesis Women’s Shelter’s Jane Doe Award will commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, championed by Vice President Joseph R. Biden. The Jane Doe Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts made on behalf of countless women and children living with unspeakable violence in their own homes. Vice President Biden has been invited to accept this year’s award. (His attendance is pending confirmation.) Past Jane Doe Award recipients include former First Lady Laura Bush, Dallas County Assistant District Attorney Cindy Dyer, US Attorney Richard Roper, the Junior League of Dallas and Crystal Charity Ball.

The Violence Against Women Act was enacted in 1994 to address the national epidemic of violence and abuse that women face every day. Over the past 15 years, it has provided billions of dollars for law enforcement, specialty domestic violence courts, training and education on college campuses, and funding for shelters and transitional housing programs that assist women escaping domestic violence.

As author of this landmark legislation, Vice President Biden stated, “The single most important legislative accomplishment in my 32-year career in the Senate is passing the Violence Against Women Act. What was once seen largely as a private, family or cultural matter is now understood by the international community as a violation of basic human rights. Violence against women is a legal wrong. It cannot be excused or justified or ignored.”

Underwriting opportunities for the luncheon begin at $1,500 for a table of 10, and individual tickets at $150. The 2009 Luncheon is sponsored by NBC 5, KXAS-TV. For more information, please contact Kristen Howell, Director of Development, at 214.389.7703 or khowell@genesisshelter.org.

About Genesis Women's Shelter: Since opening it’s doors in 1985, Genesis Women's Shelter has been committed to providing quality safety and shelter to battered women and children through crisis intervention and short-term crisis therapeutics, and to reducing the occurrence of violence against women and children in the greater Dallas area. Genesis also seeks to raise the level of community awareness regarding the pervasiveness and effects of domestic violence. Each year, Genesis serves more than 700 residential clients and 1,000 non-residential clients through Outreach services.

http://www.genesisshelter.org/

Posted by:

Mike Ghouse
SPEAKER, THINKER & A WRITER
Pluralism, Islam, Peace, Co-existence & Civil Societies
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.org/
http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/
http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Saturday, April 25, 2009

05-30-09 : ISNA conference Dallas

ISNA Central Zone Conference 2009
Theme: Rejuvenate the Spirit of Islam
Register today online at www.isna.net
May 30th, 2009
Crown Plaza near the Galleria14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001

Confirmed Speakers:Dr. Jamal Badawi Imam Mohamed Magid Ali Dr. Altaf Husain Shaykh Mokhtar Maghruoi Dr. Louay Safi Dr. Yusuf Ziya KavakciImam Zia ul haqImam Sayid Ahmed AbdullahiImam Moujahed bakhachImam Yasin SheikhImam Abdul Naser Jangda

Events Include:
Bazaar with 30 Booths
Sessions and Workshops
Saturday Evening Banquet with Keynote Speaker
Babysitting Services
Networking Opportunities
Life time achievement award to a community leader of DFW area

For More Information Contact:For more information

Contact Azhar Azeez (214-769-0922)
Registration and Housing: (317)-839-8157 ext. 129 or convention@isna.net
Bazaar and Sponsorship: (317)-839-8157 ext. 244 or akhan@isna.net
Convention Program: (317)-839-8157 ext. 231 or mukhtar@isna.net
Fax: (317)-839-1822


PLEASE REGISTER YOURSELF & YOUR WHOLE FAMILY ONLINE TODAY AT http://www.isna.net/

ISNA South Central Conference
Crown Plaza Hotel, Dallas, TX
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Theme: REJUVENATE THE SPRIT OF ISLAM


8:30 AM
Conference Registration begins

10:00 - 10:30 AM
Inauguration – Welcome Session
This session will introduce attendees to the conference as well as to the Muslim organizations working together to strengthen bonds of brotherhood to revitalize and promote the spirit of Islam through education and outreach programs at local and regional level.
Yusuf Ziya Kavakci and Local and National Organizational Reps

Qira: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi
Moderator: Azhar Azeez

10:30 - 11:30 AM
Plenary Session 1A (No Parallel Sessions)
Reformation or Rejuvenation of Islam?
Jamal Badawi, Altaf Hussain, and Mokhtar Maghraoui

Moderator: Gulam Bakali

10:30 - 11:30 AM
Parallel Session 1B (Youth)
Unity in the Community: Giving Youth a Voice
Iyad Alnachef and Aisha Noor - an interactive session with the audience

Moderator: Zuha Nasir

11:45 - 1:15 PM
Plenary Session 2A
Muslim Men and Women: Partners in Faith
Jamal Badawi, Mokhtar Maghraoui, and Zia ul Haq

Moderator: Farooq Selod

11:45 - 1:15 PM
Parallel Session 2B (Youth)
One Small Step for the Youth, One Giant Leap for the Ummah
Altaf Husain, Mohamed Magid Ali, and Abdul Nasir Jangda

Moderator: Aisha Noor

1:15 - 2:30 PM
Zuhr Prayer and Lunch

Azan: Shaykh Abdullah
Imam: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi

2:30 - 4:00 PM

Plenary Session 3A (No Parallel Sessions)
Extremism vs. Just Balance
Jamal Badawi, Mohamed Magid Ali, and Yaseen Shaikh

Moderator: Shoaib Khalid

4:15 - 5:45 PM
Plenary Session 4A
Principles of Self Development in Islam

Mokhtar Maghraoui, Moujahed Backach, and Yusuf Ziya Kavakci

Moderator: Khalid Hamideh
4:15 - 5:45 PM
Parallel Session 4B (ILDC)
Leading With Compassion-Communicate effectively in Diverse Social settings
Louay Safi - an interactive session with the audience

5:45 PM
Asr Prayer

Imam: Yusuf Ziya Kavakci

6:30 - 8:30 PM

Banquet Dinner
Rejuvenate the Spirit of Islam
Mohamed Magid Ali & Rodwan Saleh
Qira: Shaykh Abdullah
Moderator: Azhar Azeez

8:30 PM
Maghrib Prayer

Azan: Shaykh Abdullah
Imam: Yaseen Shaikh

8:45 - 10:00 PM

Restoring the meaning of Islamic values – Final Concluding Session
Mokhtar Maghraoui, Mohamed Magid Ali and Altaf Husain

Moderator: Mohammad Khalid

10:00 PM
Isha Prayer

Imam: Sayid Ahmed Abdullahi

04-25-09 : Muslim Legal Fund Dinner

You and your family are cordially invited to attend:
The Muslim Legal Fund of America
2009 Annual Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, April 25th 2009
6:00 pm till 9:30 pm
The Embassy Suites Hotel
7600 John Q. Hammons Dr.
Frisco, TX 75034
972.963.9191

I would like YOU to attend this GREAT event insha'a Allah.
Yes, of course I will be asking YOU to plan attend and donate at least $1,000 or more.

In addition, I would like to ask you to invite 5 more people who will match your generous donation. So you too can gain the reward of those who will donate.

As our beloved prophet Mohammad taught us ... whoever leads to goodness, gets the same rewards ... "addal 3ala al khayr ka fa 3eloho".

We are counting on you. Please do NOT forget that whomever alleviates the suffering of his brother / sister, Allah (swt) will alleviate his suffering on judgment day.

MLFA Fundraising Dinner Banquet

This year we have an excellent program for everyone. Lieutenant Charles D. Swift is our keynote speaker. He is an Attorney at Law and is a Retired United States Navy Lieutenant Commander in the Judge Advocate General's Corp. (JAG). Charles Swift was the defense laywer for Osama Bin Laden's driver Salim Hamdan and was a key factor in the Supreme Court's decision in Hamdan's favor. Get an inside view of the "War on Terror".Mr. Mohammed Siddiqui, the brother of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui will give us an update on his sister's case. Torture? Rendition? Kidnapping? Get the facts!Please tell everyone you know and join us.


All that is necessary for evil to triumph
is for good people to do nothing.
Silence is NOT an option.
Regards,
Waseem Nasrallah
214-906-8729 (M)

05-02-09 : Texas Muslim Womens Dinner

05-02-09 Sunday - 5:30 PM
Texas Muslim womens Foundation Dinner
Garland special Event Center

My Personal appeal to Muslims::

Every Muslim ought to be proud of this significant development of Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute. Here is an opportunity to correct information about Islam and Muslims to the world.

Please stop by here and go to other parties later, or come back here later. I hope you feel the responsibility to support this initiative. Parties continue, friendships continue and this must take off the ground as well.

Sister Hind and her team is calling, we should attend and support this event without being asked.

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse

Please join us on May 2nd for TMWF Banquet, INSA we will finalize the raising of funds needed for the TMWF DV shelter; additionally we are eagerly requesting our community to join us that night specially to meet the representative of UNT-University of North Texas who will be officially announcing to our community UNT establishment of CAMSCI-Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute, and the hiring of Dr Nada Shabout as the director. This is wonderful news for our community, and -AlHamdulleAllah it happened less than 2years after TMWF proposed its establishment to Dr Gretchin Bataille, President of UNT .
we will be honored by your presence,

Please note that Your $250.00 entitles you to register for a 2009Audi A4 2.0T CVT. Only 1000 registrations are needed to achieve TMWF Goal to raise $250,000.00. A live drawing will be made in TMWF major event and the winner will be notified by telephone. You need not be present to win. Call 972-880-4192 or visit www.tmwf.org. Support TMWF educational, charitable, outreach and social services and everyone wins. PS, a $1000.00 allows you to have 4 registrations for the Audi

Another appeal:

ASAWRAWB

I know that everyone is really tired of Fund raising events, they do seem to be endless, but TMWF alhamduleAllah is really an excellent tool for the community; not only we will INSA finalize the establishment of the DV shelter-We also were successful with our efforts with the Local Institutions of higher learning and INSA a very high level representation from University of North Texas-including the Provost and Dean of School of Visual Arts and the Director will join us to announce that here in North Texas we have the first Institute for Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute!

I know you agree with me that this is great news! specially since we formally requested it from DR Bataille in Oct 2007; UNT Provost and adminstration are welcoming our support and involvement in making the institute succesful and will join us on may 2nd to officially announce this.

All of us have suffered from the predominant stereotyping and representation of Arabs and Muslims in this country; here is our chance for us to be engaged personally and to indicate our investment in this institution ; the first of its kind in the South West!

We thank you for Supporting TMWF with your Donations and we urge you to join us in person too; we need to have a sold out hall because this will showcase the Arab and Muslim community's real interest in Education; this is our chance to make a difference, so please Do come and Support TMWF and tell the Educational Institutions here that we are very much appreciative that you are reaching to us, rather than reaching to"experts" who want to speak on our behalf.

I pray that you will be there on Saturday May 2nd at 5:30 to make this statement personally; to UNT and all the higher learning institutions :"we thank you for responding to our request and we give you our word that we will do our utmost to make CAMSCI a success! "

Please forward this e-mail to anyone interested in serving this community and presenting a better image of Islam and Muslims in this country !

Call 972-880-4192 or visit www.tmwf.org. Support TMWF educational, charitable, outreach and social services and everyone wins

Please join us on May 2nd for TMWF Banquet, INSA we will finalize the raising of funds needed for the TMWF DV shelter; additionally we are eagerly requesting our community to join us that night specially to meet the representative of UNT-University of North Texas who will be officially announcing to our community UNT establishment of CAMSCI-Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Institute, and the hiring of Dr Nada Shabout as the director. This is wonderful news for our community, and -AlHamdulleAllah it happened less than 2years after TMWF proposed its establishment to Dr Gretchin Bataille, President of UNT .
we will be honored by your presence,

Please note that Your $250.00 entitles you to register for a 2009Audi A4 2.0T CVT. Only 1000 registrations are needed to achieve TMWF Goal to raise $250,000.00. A live drawing will be made in TMWF major event and the winner will be notified by telephone. You need not be present to win. . PS, a $1000.00 allows you to have 4 registrations for the Audi