Gibson hosts annual Bronx Iftar Dinner Dialogue

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson on Thursday joined NYC Votes, Metroplus Health, ICNA Relief, the African Advisory Council, Fouta Halal Restaurants, Muslim advocates, faith leaders and community partners for the annual Bronx Iftar Dinner Dialogue in commemoration of the Ramadan holiday.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; chair of the Bronx Borough President`s African Advisory Council, Sidiki Donzo; and NYPD Clergy Outreach Unit Detective Mohamed Amen provided remarks, along with other prominent community leaders, in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall.

Council Member Yusef Salaam, whose council district in West Harlem has many Muslim residents, served as the keynote speaker, and the Bronx Islamic Center’s Executive Director, Yahay Obeid, served as master of ceremonies.

“It was an honor to join our Muslim community in fellowship at Bronx Borough Hall as we celebrated Ramadan at our Annual Iftar Dinner Dialogue and Conversation,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, whose father hails from Trinidad and Tobago. “I want to thank all of our honorees and everyone who played a role in making this event a success.

“We are proud to be home to one of our country’s largest and most diverse Muslim communities and appreciate their invaluable contributions to our borough,” she added.

The honorees whom the Borough president recognized were Zara Kandic, a volunteer with “Collective Work of Sisters”; Selma Mujovic, both teacher and secretary at the Bosniak Islamic Center and director of “Collective Work of Sisters”; Yahay Obeid, executive director of the Bronx Islamic Center, and Air Traffic Controller with the Federal Aviation Administration; and Gbenga Subair, founding member of the Mayor’s NYC African Council, who is also a member of Community Board 12’s Economic Committee.

Also, Ramatu Ahmed, founder and executive director of the African Life Center, was honored.

“Every New Yorker, no matter where they’re from, what neighborhood they live in, and what language they speak, should be able to engage meaningfully in our local democracy,” said SeQuoia King, outreach manager, NYC Votes. “During Ramadan, a season of community and collective care, NYC Votes is honored to partner with the Bronx Borough President’s Office to provide education about upcoming elections and help members of the Community Iftar get registered to vote. The more New Yorkers who make their voices heard at the ballot box, the closer we can get to just and truly representative democracy.”

Over 200 guests participated in the evening’s dinner and discussion centered on ways to engage the Bronx’s diverse Muslim community.