Photo Credit:
WMJ
On its 10th Anniversary, the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition received praise for its accomplishments from public leaders and community members, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Some spoke at Saturday’s gala; others sent congratulations that are included below. And some did both.
Governor Tony Evers
“Our diversity makes us stronger. The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition has been doing great work promoting understanding, empowering women, and advocating for justice and equity throughout Milwaukee and our state. MMWC is helping build a state that is stronger and a more inclusive place for all Wisconsinites to thrive. I congratulate them on their anniversary, thank them for all their good work, and wish them many more successful years ahead.”
Governor Tony Evers
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes
“I have known about the good work of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition since long before I was in elected office, and I have seen firsthand their efforts to fight for social justice and civil rights for all people through advocacy, dialogue, education, and outreach. They are truly an essential organization, not just for the Milwaukee community, but for the entire state, and I’m so proud to be a part of their 10th anniversary celebration.”
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes
U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore
“The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition is an organization that’s committed to uplifting communities through education, honest and open conversations, and advocacy that aims to actualize justice and fairness. I am so thankful for their passionate engagement in Milwaukee.”
U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
“Congratulations to the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition on its 10th anniversary. MMWC is a true community partner that has built an impressive offering of original projects and programming to serve, educate and transform our community. Our city benefits from the diversity, vision and leadership of the Coalition’s outstanding members.”
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett
Dr. Russell Brooker, Professor of Political Science, Alverno College
“The MMWC, especially Janan Najeeb, has been very kind to me over the years. Each year Janan speaks to one class. The class is on Race and Ethnicity in America. I include a unit in the course on Muslim American Women on Campus each spring. I take the class to the Islamic Resource Center where Janan introduces them to Islam. I ask only that she tell them what she thinks they should know.
“She has always been very gracious to me and her talk has always helped the students and me. Except for some Muslim students, the students know very little about Islam and have been subjected to a steady stream of lies for the last four years.
“I realize that Islam is not a race or ethnicity, but I think Muslims are treated as such by most of American society. That is why I include them in the course.”
Dr. Russell Brooker, Professor of Political Science, Alverno College
Sheikh Ziad Hamdan, Islamic Society of Milwaukee Imam
“The MMWC is a role model Muslim organization we are all proud of. For almost three decades, they have grown and demonstrated their importance with all of the great projects, programs and services to the Milwaukee community. There is much to learn from them and I hope their success continues.”
Sheikh Ziad Hamdan, Islamic Society of Milwaukee Imam
Will Perry, President of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance
“For over 25 years, the MMWC has championed Islamic values by educating, enlightening and encouraging the minds of women. It is with this sound mission, women globally have benefited. It is through their efforts women, families and communities have become stronger.”
Will Perry, President of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance
Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance
“I had the honor of working with the board of the MMWC this year to help create their strategic plan for the next five years, and one of the things I did was interview people about the organization. Without exception, they praised the MMWC as an essential community leader, providing a wide array of services that can be found nowhere else. The library, children’s activities, networking brunches, WMJ, Film Festival, and now Our Peaceful Home…where would the community be without these programs? The Speakers Bureau alone provides an essential service to spread the truth about women in Islam. The MMWC has earned its place among the top organizations serving the Muslim community and beyond.”
Kristin Hansen, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance
Tom Heinen, Executive Director Emeritus, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee
