CHICAGO CALLING

[This issue inclues 6 items: Chechens, Farrakhan on Reparations, Japanese on Internments, Malcolm X's Message is alive, Mexicans & Muslims, Honoring Abdul Sattar Al-Dahir]

by Ather Masood [veteran New Trend journalist from Chicago]

CHECHEN DEPORATION COMMEMORATION

WHEN TERRORISM WAS OKAY IN RUSSIA

February 23, 2004 was the anniversery of the notorious deportations of the Chechen people. The actual event took place in 1944 close to the end of WWII. At that time Joseph Stalin was Russia's leader who became suspicous of Chechen people, just like he was susupicous of everyone else. It is reported that nearly 400,000 Chechen and Ingush people are forced to relocate to Siberia. http://news.bbc.couk/2/hi/europe/3509933.stm
Who knows exactly what the actual total is. After all they are Chechens whom the world (especially Muslims) were taught to forget by big brother Russia. The total number of Chechen people that were killed before getting to the camps is up to the imagination of anyone.

Many tell of stories involving systematic rape, pillage, looting of Chechen people who were actively involved with the Red army. The very people who helped liberate Russia from Nazi Germany were the very people sent off in trucks to Siberia. (So-called moderate Muslims take notes!) People were literally dragged out of homes and forced to relocate within the frozen wastelands of Eastern Russia. http://news.bbc.couk/2/hi/europe/3509933.stm

Did we hear about the Chechen holocaust anywhere in America ? No we did not. Did we commemorate the Chechen day of sadness? no we did not. As Muslims we need to remind everyone to not forget what happened to Chechnya and what is STILL happening.

ON THE 60TH ANNIVERSERY OF THE CHECHEN DEPORATIONS WE REMIND THE MUSLIM UMMAH OF IT'S OBLIGATIONS TO OUR FORGOTTEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO ARE BEING CONVENIENTLY FORGOTTEN IN ORDER TO PLEASE MR. PUTIN. THE MUSLIM CENTERs IN THE UNITED STATES MUST REMEMBER WHAT TOOK PLACE IN 1944. IMAM SHAMIL STILL LIVES!

MINISTER FARAKHAN SPEAKS REPARATIONS TO POWER

On February 29, 2004 Minister Farakhan spoke truth to power at the annual Saviors' Day Celebration in Chicago, Illinois. Speaking to a packed house in the UIC pavilion, Minister Farakhan called on Muslims, Christians, and Jews to remember and contemplate the advent of the Trans-Atlantic Slave trade. Recalling documents from historical archives, the Brother Minister reminded Europe and America of what it owed the descendants of slaves.

The city of Bristol in England, for example, was built entirely on the blood of slaves, the minsiter quoted from historical records.

The honorable and celebrated Congressman Conyers from Michigan was in attendance. Congressman Conyers has been in the forefront of defending many Muslims in the Midwest and was also the architect of the reperations bill and the noticeable bill asking General Boykin to apologize for his comments on Islam.

Talking about the need for dialogue, he Minister encouraged others to speak out more about Reparations. The need for healing between black and white begins with the issue of reparations, the Minister stated on several occasions.

Due to the condition of the world, Minister Farakahn stated that Muslims, Christians, and Jews have all deviated from the Path of God. Because of that, he mentioned, all three need to re-invigorate, re-energize, re-spritualize their commitment to God.

Speaking on Iraq, The Minister criticized the entire pro-war fiasco as self-created propaganda from the neo-cons (conservatives). Most of the "hawks," were mentioned as part of the war drummers.

As always Saviors' Day was a well attended event and continues to be a joyous place for contemplation.

THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN AMERICA MUST WORK TO SUPPORT REPARATIONS AS A PART OF THE OVERALL ATTEMPT TO HEAL AMERICA FROM ITS UNFORTUNATE PAST. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY.

IF AMERICA CAN SPEND 7-8 BILLION DOLLARS (every month) ON AN UNJUST WAR IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, SURELY IT CAN SPEND THAT SAME AMOUNT FOR HEALING THE WOUNDS OF THE descendants OF SLAVES.

REPARATIONS FOR THE BLACK MAN AND WOMAN NOW!

JAPANESE AND MUSLIM COMMUNITIES COMMEMORATE WWII INTERNMENT CAMPS.

On February 15, 2004 the Depaul University held a commemoration of the now in-famous detention camps of the Japanese-Americans of WWII. The packed audience of 200-300 people listened to thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes of those who survived the illegal camps set up after the advent of Pearl Harbor. The gathering was well attended by the young and old. A new generation of Japanese-American youth now remember what happend to their own ansectors.

Calling on members of the Muslim community, Mr. William Yoshino director of the Japanese-Amercian Citizens Council, encouraged more participation to further learning to confront present day Civil Rights abuses.

"We encourage further participation from Muslim-Americans. Our belief is that our shared experience can lead to a better understanding for all people living in the United States," Mr. Yoshino mentioned. The event itself was a somber but happy occasion as many members of the Japenese community felt the Muslim experience as well for the first time.

MALCOLM X REMEMBERED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO

FEBRUARY 21, 2004

Maybe others forgot but the legacy of Malcom X. El-Hajj Malik Shabazz continued in 2004.

The Flaming Crescent Organization held their annual celebration February 21, 2004. A full capacity crowd were educated about the life and sacrifices of Shaheed Malik Shabazz. Brothers and Sisters amongst the West Side community of Chicago spoke in depth about Malcolm's family, love for the people, and his overwhelming ability to articulate the casue of Muslims and Black People until his death.

Bro. Salim Abdul-Khaliq of the Flaming Crescent Society was honored for his efforts in reminding us about America's mujahid Malik El-Shabazz. A large number of paraphernalia from Malcolm's time was on display at the event. This included buttons, articles, newspapers, magazines, records and taped speeches regarding Malcolm X, on display of all to see.

An African quiz, fashion show, and food was all part of the celebrations.

You can learn more about the Flaming Crescent Society at: c/o Salim Abdul-Khaliq, Publisher. Flaming Crescent Publications P.O.Box Chicago, IL 60690.

February 21 IS THE DAY MALCOM GAVE HIS LIFE for FREEDOM, JUSTICE, AND EQUALITY. LET US NOT ONLY REMEMBER HIS COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE BUT ALSO TO HIS UNENDING LOVE FOR THE ISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE. REMEMBER MALCOM X FOR THE SACRIFICE HE MADE IN AMERICA.

MUSLIMS, MEXICANS, AND PROGRESSIVES PROTEST IMMIGRATION POLICIES.

FEBRUARY 21 2004

As many as thirty-one cars, along with 100-200 people on foot marched from the Our Lady of Mercy Church to the Devon neighborhood in North Chicago. With a police escort the protestors made their way down the streets of Chicago stopping all traffice on foot and car. NOT A SINGLE PERSON ONLOOKING THE MARCHERS DISRESPECTED THE CAUSE. In fact many people clapped and shouted in support, causing huge traffic delays for about two hours. The event itself was covered by Univision and WGN. The Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism in conjunction with many other Progressive, Pakistani, Arab, Mexican, and Asian civic groups rallied at the corner of Devon and Western Avenue.

At the end of the rally a unity program was held at the famous Bandoo Khan Restauraunt. Muslims, Christians, Jews, agnostics, amongst other enjoyed a night of entertainment and food Pakistani style to the enjoyment of all present. Members of tjhe Mexican community came out in force to support Muslims. {According to the speakers no less than 30,000 Muslims have been deported without charges or trial under the Patriot Act.]

ABDUL-SATTAR DAHIR. IN LOVING MEMORY

Before it became popular to talk about Iraqi people, there was Abdul Sattar. When others who were forced to remain silent when it came to Muslims and Christians in Iraq Abdul Sattar became their voice. The dear elder brother stood like a rock during the 2001 and 2002 ISNA conventions when others tried to ignore Iraqi children being killed due to the lack of adequate medical supplies. He faithfully served this cause in Chicago, Louisiana, Washington D.C. and every other place you can think of.

When asked about Imam Jamil, Abdul-Sattar readily accepted this challenge. He immediately began collecting funds for Imam Jamil's defense alongside supplies for distribution amongst Iraqi people. Those of us who stood with Abdul-Sattar will remember his fierce commitment to a nation that had nothing more than the defense of it's people (Iraq).

During a most memorable event Abdul-Sattar was collecting funds for Iraq. This at a Muslim convention, caused some controversey amongst it's leadership. When Abdul-Sattar raised his voice against the silence towards Iraq, has was rushed by the authorities. BUT the people watching immediately came to the defense of Abdul-Sattar. Seeing the number of people questioning what was happening, the authorities backed off and left our brother alone. This story is enough to show you who was loved and who was not.

We pray to Allah to accept Abdul-Sattar in Paradise. We also ask Allah to send someone with his zeal to continue sending medical supplies to Iraq.
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2004-03-16 Tue 19:10ct