Muslim organizations and community members join hands with local developer to distribute Halal Turkeys and serve halal community meals in observance of Thanksgiving in SE Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

..: Muslim Advocacy Commission:…

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

Press Release

Muslim organizations and community members join hands with local developer to distribute Halal Turkeys and serve halal community meals in observance of Thanksgiving in SE Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Banneker Ventures, a local developer and major sponsor in partnership with America’s Islamic Heritage Museum, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque and Sweet Tooth Cakes and Pastries along with Muslim community members will distribute Halal Thanksgiving Turkeys to nearly 800 families and organize a community meal in SE Washington, D.C., a tradition started by Mayor Marion Barry.

“For nearly two decades, the Muslim Advocacy Commission (MAC) has been distributing Halal turkeys to needy families in SE. This year, with generous support of Banneker Ventures, we will be able to continue this important community service for our national day of family feasting. For too long developers have come from outside of our community to redevelop our real estate for the benefit of themselves and people who are not from this community. Banneker Ventures is a developer that is a part of the community and is giving back.” Said Rahim Jenkins, MAC Executive Director. Mr. Jenkins has served on every Mayor’s interfaith council from the days of Mayor Anthony Williams until today, working with the DC jail, DC Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services (DYRS), and the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC). MAC is coordinating with the Southeast Collaborative, DC social service organizations, and faith and community leaders to identify families in need.

“Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque is pleased to be one of the co-sponsors in distributing turkeys and hosting a community dinner. Serving and investing in Our Community is Our Responsibility! Giving back to the community is not only a principle of faith but an aspiration of our souls and is just one of the ways we show we care and give thanks to the Almighty for the countless blessings”. Imam Talib Shareef.

The Karim family and their company, Banneker Ventures, have been engaged members of the Muslim community. They recently donated backpacks and school supplies for children of all faiths in the Anacostia community, and last Thanksgiving, they partnered with churches to giveaway nearly 200 turkey dinners.

The location of the event has historical significance, and signals hope for this neglected part of Washington, D.C. The site houses America’s Islamic Heritage Museum but was once a viable Muslim school named after Clara Muhammad, an iconic brave woman who opened schools across America in every major city. Omar Karim and his siblings attended Clara Muhammad School in Detroit, MI.

The once historic site of The Clara Muhammad School of Washington is the future site of “The Clara,” a mixed-use development joint venture with Masjid Muhammad and Banneker Ventures.

Place: 2315 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20020

Day: Tuesday

Date: Nov 26, 2019

Time:10:00am-1:00pm: Halal Turkey Distribution (750 families)

2:00pm-4:00pm: Community Welcome & Dinner (80 families)

Other community partners

HEP Construction, and Soulful Muslims

For more information:

Contact, Rahim Jenkins, Executive Director

Muslim Advocacy Commission (Washington, DC)

(202) 297-0133

To schedule interviews contact Fitrah Muhammad (202) 425-5815

======

End