HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE HOSTS GUEST SPEAKERS TO DISCUSS ISLAMIC CULTURE IN BEAVERTON
Posted: March 29th, 2011 3:25 PM
- An opportunity for cross cultural exchanges within the community -
The City of Beaverton Human Rights Advisory Commission (HRAC) will sponsor a dialogue with its Muslim community on Wednesday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaverton City Library (12375 SW 5th Street).
Guest Speakers Ali Houdroge, founding member of the Islamic Center of Portland, and Dr. Shahriar Ahmad, President of the Bilal Mosque Association, will share information about what led them to settle in Beaverton and offer their thoughts on the challenges that the members of the Islamic community face as they strive to maintain their culture and values in Beaverton.
"We are excited to facilitate this discussion to the community," said Commission Chair Rob Solomon. "We look forward to the thoughts and experiences the guest speakers will share with us and we hope to start a positive dialogue between the cultures that call Beaverton home."
Ahmad currently works for Intel and holds a Masters degree from the State University of New York and a PhD from Rice University in electrical engineering. The Bilal Mosque has been involved with more than 400 interfaith events that serve to promote understanding. Ahmad firmly believes that "without dialogue, we, people of faith, cannot live up to the fundamental teaching of all faiths that we be tolerant and patient and just to others."
Houdroge was born in Lebanon and attended Portland Community College and Portland State University, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He has been managing the affairs of the Islamic Center since its inception in 1993, which serves a diverse Muslim Shia community from Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and India. Houdroge also serves as a religious advisor and is an active community member in Beaverton.
The presentation will allow for questions and begins following the Commission's regular business meeting at 6:30 p.m., which is open to the public. For additional information, please visit www.beavertonoregon.gov/HRAC or contact Rob Solomon, HRAC chair, at (503) 644-9696.
ABOUT THE HRAC
The mission of HRAC is to promote a mutual understanding and to safeguard the rights of all citizens. The Commission helps citizens and government in the City of Beaverton to achieve the goal of embracing and celebrating diversity, eliminating bigotry and enhancing a sense of community. The Commission continues to be involved in a number of annual events that promote diversity and basic human rights in the Beaverton community. The two largest of these events are the Annual City of Beaverton Diversity Award and the City of Beaverton Creative Expression Contest.
ABOUT BEAVERTON
Beaverton was one of just four cities of its size recently recognized as a "Smarter City" energy leader by the Natural Resources Defense Council and one of the 100 Best Places to Live in America by Money magazine. In addition, Beaverton has been named one of the safest cities in the Pacific Northwest for three consecutive years, as one of the best places to raise kids by BusinessWeek magazine, an All-America City finalist, one of the 100 Best Walking Cities in America by Prevention magazine, the Recycler of the Year from the Association of Oregon Recyclers, a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a Bronze Award Bicycle Friendly Community designation by the League of American Bicyclists and as one of the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Communities. Beaverton also enjoys one of the most diverse populations among Oregon cities. For more information, please visit www.beavertonoregon.gov.
# # #
Replies to this message do not go back to the sender.
Go to http://FlashAlert.net/login.html to change or delete these messages.