At the banquet on Saturday evening, hundreds of Muslim community members and activists, interfaith leaders and diplomats will hear from speakers such as University of Chicago Professor Robert Pape, the author of a groundbreaking new book showing that foreign occupation -- not religion -- motivates suicide attacks.
Other speakers at the CAIR annual banquet will include Park51 developer Sharif El-Gamal, Muslim 9/11 first responders, noted journalist Helen Thomas, and keynote speaker internationally-renowned Muslim scholar Tariq Ramadan. "Allah Made Me Funny" comedy group will provide entertainment.
The day-long leadership training conference will include sessions for public speaking, on-camera interviews, using social media, political engagement, challenging Islamophobia, and knowing your legal rights with law enforcement agencies.
"We appreciate the support of all those who will attend the banquet and the conference," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its 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.
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