Muslim-American Leader Wants Community To See Itself As Part Of Broader Fight For Justice
(CBS) -- A Muslim American leader here in Chicago says he wants members of his community to see themselves as part of a legacy of people from many faiths who have fought for justice so they are working on that vision right now, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Rami Nashibishi, the director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network, lives in the Marquette Park area on the Southwest Side. In the 60s the Rev. Martin Luther King led a march through the park that was met with people hurling rocks, bottles and firecrackers.
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The area is more diverse now, and Nashuibishi's organization serves all who need them. But, he and his neighbors don't forget the history.
"We've devoted extraordinary amounts of time over the last ten years talking about King and Rabbi Marx in the park, why we have the MLK living memorial project which is about building the first memorial to King, not just to the freedom marchers in the city, in Marquette Park because I want my children to know that legacy, I want their children to know about that legacy, high school students want to know about that legacy," Nashuibishi said. "Those are not just stories."
The project—including a permanent art installation is scheduled to be unveiled at a public ceremony in August.
Rami Nashishibi talks about the Muslim community in Chicago on our At Issue program this weekend. You can hear more coming up at 9:30 p.m.
