Faith Under Fire, Standing Strong in Chaotic Times
On Sunday, December 28, 2025, MANA had the honor of welcoming Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago as a special guest during our opening session at the MAS-ICNA convention at McCormick Place.
For the second consecutive year, MANA hosted a dedicated Sunday track designed to center the lived realities, struggles, and hopes of African American Muslims within a convention that draws tens of thousands of primarily Arab American Muslims. This partnership with MAS reflects a shared commitment to diversity, unity, and justice in the American Muslim community.
Our invitation to Mayor Johnson recognized him as a leader who “holds the lantern of truth, justice, and standing against oppression.” His presence and words confirmed that trust.
A Message of Solidarity and Courage
Mayor Johnson opened by greeting the audience “in peace and in solidarity,” expressing gratitude to MANA’s leadership—including President Dr. Joshua Salaam, Vice President Akanke Rasheed, and convention chair Hussein—and acknowledging the importance of our partnership in Chicago.
He praised Chicago’s strong and vibrant Muslim community, noting its impact across arts, sciences, education, economic development, and civic life. At the same time, he named the harsh realities facing Muslims today—discrimination, oppression, threats to freedom, and the role of federal policies in sowing fear and division.
Tying his remarks to this year’s theme, “Faith Under Fire: Standing Strong in Chaotic Times,” Mayor Johnson framed resistance to injustice as an expression of love and spiritual duty. He condemned normalized Islamophobic rhetoric and efforts to suppress voices for justice, urging the community not to lose hope and to remain united:
“History has shown us that as we stand together, strong… to protect and uplift and empower each and every one of us, that is our holy duty.”
He cited the Qur’anic command to “hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided”, reminding attendees that from every region and background, all deserve liberty and justice.
Partnering for Justice in Chicago
Mayor Johnson connected his message to concrete efforts in the city, highlighting initiatives to:
- Protect vulnerable residents through the Protecting Chicago initiative, ensuring people know their rights and can safely express dissent.
- Expand safe and affordable housing and support residents in starting and growing businesses, including within the Muslim community.
- Invest in youth, creating over 31,000 summer jobs to prepare young people as “leaders, innovators, and change-makers.”
He emphasized that this work is done in collaboration with leaders and organizations like MANA, and affirmed that Chicago seeks to be a partner in the struggle for equity, safety, and justice for all—regardless of race, religion, or zip code.
With warmth and humor, he closed by inviting those visiting from outside the city to consider making Chicago their home, calling it “the greatest place in the world.”
A Sacred Space, A Shared Struggle
MANA’s track at MAS-ICNA focuses on healing, spiritual uplift, and community restoration for African American Muslims—through strengthening families, supporting youth, building healthy marriages, and tending to the spiritual heart of our people. Mayor Johnson’s attendance and address affirmed the historic role of Chicago in Black Muslim life and the ongoing labor of our communities to resist oppression with faith, courage, and love.
As we continue this partnership with MAS and build on this second year of dedicated programming, MANA thanks Mayor Brandon Johnson for honoring our space, our story, and our struggle—and for standing with us in the pursuit of truth, mercy, and collective resilience.
Here is a link to a video recording of Mayor Johnson’s speech.
Akanke is a native of Atlanta who now resides in Dayton, Ohio. She reverted to Islam in 1994 and is passionate about Islam and Islamic spirituality. Akanke is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she earned a degree in Communication, with a focus on film, TV, and cultural anthropology. Her career is diverse, and her interests span various creative forms of expression. From producing TV and radio shows to creating documentaries, writing, graphic design, and life coaching, she strives to make a lasting and authentic impact wherever she goes. Akanke has been a dedicated supporter of MANA since 2007, currently serving as the organization’s Board Vice President. In this role, she plays a key part in working with the Board President and Secretary to shape the organization’s trajectory. Additionally, she serves as MANA’s part-time Communications Director.
