At this year’s MAS-ICNA convention in Chicago, December 26-28, MANA is sponsoring a special track of four dynamic sessions on Saturday, the 28th. These sessions are specifically designed to address and strengthen key aspects of life for African-American Muslims. Registration for the convention is FREE with a special MANA coupon code.
We have curated these workshops focusing on “Strengthening the African-American Muslim Family and Community” within the broader context of the convention’s theme of “Breaking Chains and Making Change.” The workshops will focus on marriage, spirituality, mental well-being, and young adult leadership; and we are honored to have eight esteemed speakers who will engage, inspire, and offer valuable insights. Additionally, we will conduct short videotaped interviews to collect oral histories from attendees on a volunteer basis, focusing on answering questions about which priorities are essential for strengthening black Muslim families.
Here are the MANA Workshops
Opening Session – 10:00 AM – Welcome to MANA!
Join us for the opening session of the MANA track at MASCON! This welcome session will introduce you to MANA, our rich history, and our mission to empower and uplift Muslim communities. Meet our board members, learn about our projects and initiatives, and discover how you can get involved and support our work. This session will set the tone for a powerful and inspiring day of sessions, discussions, and connection-building. Don’t miss it!
SESSION 1: 10:30 – 11:15 AM:
The African-American Muslim Experience: Reflecting On Our Legacy & Confronting Our Challenges
Shaykha Ieasha Prime & Shaykh Ubaydullah Evans | Moderated by: Imam Tariq I. El-Amin
This session invites participants to reflect deeply on the spiritual, socioeconomic, and political challenges and opportunities faced by the African-American Muslim community. Trainers will share valuable insights and suggestions that will help shape the future of our community.
SESSION 2: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Searching for Sakinah: Finding Allah’s Love & Tranquility Within African-American Muslim Marriages
Shaykh Muhammad Mendes & Ustadh Angelica Lindsey-Ali | Moderated by Akanke Rasheed
This session focuses on the importance of centering our relationships around Allah and the prophetic model, this session explores the dynamics of marital relationships within the Black Muslim community. Attendees will learn strategies and share experiences that contribute to strong and thriving marriages.
SESSION 3: 2:00 – 2:45 PM
Stepping Forward & Reaching Back: Young African-American Adults Claiming Their Place
Brother Tariq Toure & Sister Nandee Shabazz | Moderated by Joshua Salaam
This session examines the complexities that influence young adults in the African-American Muslim community. Participants will explore the balance between mentoring and obstructing young adults’ growth and development, fostering empowerment, succession planning, and addressing the challenges young African-American Muslim adults face.
SESSION 4: 3:15 – 4 PM
Divine Resilience: The Relentless Heart of African-American Muslims
| Imam Amin Muhammad & Ustadha Nuriddeen Knight | Moderated by Ndidi M. Okakpu
In this session, attendees will deepen their spiritual practices to forge a stronger connection with Allah and His messenger (peace be upon him), cultivate spiritual resilience, and become catalysts for positive change within our community. Participants will be encouraged to commit fully—in mind, body, and spirit—to the betterment of our community.
Closing Remarks of Inspiration | 4:00 PM | by Imam Siraj Wahhaj
We are honored to welcome Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a renowned leader and visionary, as our special guest at MASCON. As the founding Amir of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), Imam Siraj has dedicated his life to serving the Muslim community and continues to support MANA’s mission of empowering African American Muslims. With his wealth of experience, wisdom, and passion, Imam Siraj will deliver closing remarks that promise to inspire, motivate, and uplift us. We are grateful for his presence and look forward to benefiting from his insights.
Session Moderators
Imam Tariq I. El-Amin is a respected spiritual leader and community developer, currently serving as the Imam of Masjid Al-Taqwa in Chicago, Illinois. Through his leadership, Imam Tariq has fostered a vibrant and inclusive Muslim community, and his wisdom, compassion, and dedication have earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Sister Akanke Rasheed is a dedicated servant-leader and community advocate and currently serves as MANA’s Vice President and Communications Director. She holds a Communication degree from Georgia State University where she focused on film, television, and anthropology. She is multitalented with a career spanning roles such as television and radio producer, public speaking and leadership trainer, certified life and nutrition coach, voiceover artist, and abstract painter.
Joshua Salaam is a highly respected leader in the American Muslim community, serving as the President of MANA. His full-time profession is as Director of Muslim Life and Muslim Chaplain at Duke University. He is also famously known as a founding member of the popular band Native Deen. With strong roots in the community, Joshua began attending national Muslim youth camps at the age of 12 and continued to be involved for over 30 years.
Ndidi Okakpu is a passionate community leader and advocate, dedicated to empowering and uplifting marginalized communities. As a proud Nigerian-American Muslim, Ndidi draws on her rich cultural heritage and faith to inform her work. With a strong background in community organizing, education, and social justice, Ndidi has worked tirelessly to promote equity, inclusion, and understanding. Her commitment to service and leadership has inspired countless individuals and communities, and her wisdom, compassion, and dedication have earned her widespread respect and admiration.
Registration Form
To register, please fill out the form below. You will receive a special code to register for the convention free of charge. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have issues contact us at info@manajustice.org or president@manajustice.org
