A Brunch to Remember

March 11, 2007

American Muslim Union Annual Brunch was held on Sunday, March 11, 2007. We laud the individual and collective effort by all those who worked to prepare for this annual event. Read media coverage of the event. Unmistakably, one can begin to discern a quantifiable and a promising change of tone from attending public officials. The large banquet room at the Teaneck Marriott was brimming with  community members, delegates  of other faiths, public and law enforcement officials and other dignitaries. The Governor's keynote speech sadly  was no more than a quick hello-you-are-doing a job- thank you-I have to be somewhere-else-now  type of speech. He did talk about NJ's diversity as the backbone of the state's successes. and the need for greater access to all minorities. But he really could have alluded to a lot more substantive matters because I personally know he cares about our issues which are central to his moral compass. In my short conversation with  the Governor, I extracted a promise from him to revisit the issue of the creation of the Arab Heritage Commission. We intend to refocus the community's and that of the media's attention to this important endeavor. We have onboard at least two State Senators who have expressed interest to sponsor a legislation to  enact into law the creation of the commission. The Governor has of course at his disposal the power to issue an Executive Order to do the same.

The other speakers included Senator Menendez of NJ and the State Attorney General in addition to an albeit long but fiery speech by Congressman Bill  Pascrell (D-NJ). Having these important people appear before us is an achievement in and by itself  but the message they carried was one of paying tribute to our community's drive and accomplishment.   They are taking a measurable note of our collective efforts at political emancipation and empowerment. As our numerical growth is transformed into tangible political currency (votes and or money), our issues will assume their rightful place on the American political landscape. Reflecting on what transpired requires more time and space than allotted here.

 I was delighted by Menendez's promise to continue the legacy of  then Senator Corzine (now Gov. of NJ)  to champion the fight for the protection of civil rights of  all Americans. I was impressed by his decision to cosponsor a bill to remedy  the failings of the 2006 Military Commission Act of 2006.

We need to have a bifocal assessment of our evolving political currency. As we are sometimes burdened by current  setbacks and missteps, we must remain  vigilant of the prize awaiting us at the end of current and yes seemingly helpless condition. The prize is full entitlement to good citizenship. Citizenship it needs noting  is both a set of rights we should receive,  but also of obligations we must fulfill.