Northern Nevada Region hosts 1st Islamic Conference March 20-21, 2004

The Northern Nevada cities of Reno-Sparks, Nevada will be the site of a historic first: next weekend's Muslim Conference. Titled, "Islam's Role in American Society," the two day event is expected to draw close to 1000 Muslim and Non-Muslim attendees. The Northern Nevada region is home to over 2500 Muslim families.

SPARKS, NV (PRWEB) March 14, 2004 --The Northern Nevada Muslim Community (NNMC) announces the 1st Annual Islamic Conference of Northern Nevada, titled "Islam's Role in American Society." The two day event will be held Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 at the NNMC community center, 1857 Oddie Boulevard in Sparks, Nevada.

"This really is an exciting and historic conference," said Conference Chairman Salem Mohamed. "It is the first of its kind to come to the Northern Nevada region."

The NNMC serves a growing population of over 2500 Muslim families in the Northern Nevada area.

Because this is the first time the NNMC will host such a prestigious event, conference organizers will include an all-day open house program on Sunday, March 21 at the NNMC community center in Sparks.

"We hope that the open-to-the-community format will inspire residents, community leaders and family and social service organizers in Reno, Sparks and Carson City to come and participate," said NNMC President Mahmoud Hendi.

Conference Chairman Mohamed and NNMC President Hendi have assembled a list of national and international Muslim and Non-Muslim speakers for the interfaith program. Featured presenters include:

- Aminah Assilmi, Director of the International Union
of Muslim Women.
- Yusuf Estes, American Chaplain of the World Council
of Muslim Youth and web-publisher of
"todayislam.com" and "islamtomorrow.com."
- Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, President of the Society of
Shar'ia Scholars of America.
- Dr. Richard Siegel, University of Nevada Reno (UNR)
Professor of Political Science and President of the
Nevada ACLU.
- Professor of Law Mary Berkheiser, Co-Director of the
Juvenile Justice Clinic at the University of Las
Vegas (UNLV) William S. Boyd School of Law.

The two day conference is free-to-the-public and Sunday's open house event will include a variety of cultural activities and tastes of traditional foods.

The conference staff expects more than 350 attendees each day.

"The program offers our neighbors and 'neighbors-in-faith' the opportunity to join us in sharing ideas about family and community values," said Mohamed.

The conference begins with media and reserved seating registration at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 20 and at 12:30 pm on Sunday, March 21. Seating is limited and advance reservations are recommended.

To make reservations and for more information by email, contact NNMC President Hendi at: president@nnvmuslims.org or call the NNMC Message Line at (775) 351-1857. For maps, driving driving directions and to download the official conference schedule, visit the NNMC website: www.nnvmuslims.org.
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NNMC Contact:
Mahmoud (Mike) Hendi
president@nnvmuslims.org

Media Release Contact:   
Kevin Palmros
KAP Media
775.901.0606
kevin@kapmedia.com