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Upcoming Events
May 6 ---- Decatur Presbyterian Church
May 6 ---- Overview of Islam to Kids4Peace
July 19 ---- Emory University Interfaith Youth Activity
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Speaker Spotlight
Bassem Fakhoury
ISBA has more than 30 trained, certified volunteer speakers who represent various professional, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. Our Speaker Spotlight section is meant to provide some insight into the backgrounds and thoughts of our speakers.
This month, we are speaking with Bassem Fakhoury. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Bassem is a husband, father and an alum of Washington University in St. Louis.
Speaker Spotlight: Bassem, thank you for your time today. Can you share with us why you joined ISBA?
Bassem: I joined ISBA in September of 2002. I immediately felt at home and wanted to participate fully. I felt ISBA's efforts were focused on the right priorities and supported by many very professional and motivated individuals. It was my opportunity to de-mystify Islam and project a truer image of a typical Muslim living in the Atlanta community.
Speaker Spotlight: I know you have expanded your role with ISBA to include managing the Building Bridges awards dinner. How has this stretch opportunity helped you in your daily job?
Bassem: ISBA has provided many opportunities. First and foremost I have found myself having to learn more about Islam so I can present.
Secondly, it has become one of the most satisfying projects I am involved with (right after marriage and parenting). Public speaking, strategic thinking and relationship building are skills that are honed by various aspects of the work the ISBers must engage in.
It just so happens that assuming the lead on the Building Bridges dinner over the last two years has also helped with a major facet of my professional life as a project manager. So, by planning for the dinner, I was able to learn about planning a few projects at work.
Speaker Spotlight: Thank you Bassem for sharing your thoughts. |
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About ISBA
ISBA is a non-profit, apolitical educational organization that provides certified Muslim speakers to promote awareness about Islam and Muslims.
ISBA is a local affiliate of the Islamic Networks Group.
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Dear ISBA Friends and Supporters-
Every year the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISBA) delivers hundreds of presentations designed to educate the public about Islam and Muslims.
Our volunteer speakers, who represent various professional, ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, receive extensive training and are mentored by fellow speakers. This month's newsletter provides a snapshot of the wonderful work our volunteer speakers have done during the past month. In addition, the article ISBA Conducts Training for Speakers, gives some insight into the type of training our presenters receive.
We thank you for your continued support, encouragement and contributions. As always, please let us know if you have any suggestions on how we can further our efforts.
With the increased demand for our services, we are always looking for good speakers who can work with us using our proven method of presenting. If you know of someone who would like to work with us, please contact us at dirisbatl@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Soumaya Khalifa
Executive Director
Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta | |
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Students at The Westminster Schools Learn About Islam
The Westminster Schools, a private, Christian school for children in pre-first grade through high school, recently invited ISBA to participate in their week-long interfaith dialogue session.
Representatives from many faiths, including Sikhs, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam participated in a panel discussion to the entire high school student body.
More than 850 students were given a five minute overview on the importance of dialogue and outreach to all faith groups.
This was followed by four 45-minute question and answer sessions with 20 students in each session.
Students had the opportunity to ask a general question to the entire panel or ask a specific question to a specific panel member.
Students asked the representatives from ISBA a wide range of questions, but were very interested in learning more about Ramadan and the significance of the five daily prayers. |
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ISBA Presents to Erlanger Healthcare Workers
Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. invited ISBA to conduct training on Cultural Competency and Healthcare for Muslim Patients last month. This is the second time ISBA has been invited to present at Erlanger.
The non-profit, academic teaching center, is affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and is comprised of five campuses serving residents living within a 150-mile radius of Chattanooga, primarily in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.
The medical staff recieved an overview of the beliefs and practices of Muslims and topics including end-of-life, view of Islam on sickness, role of the family, understanding Islamic practices and their potential impact on providing health care. |
ISBA Appears on CNN International
ISBA was recently asked to participate in a CNN International weekend segment about African American Muslims and immigrant Muslim communities who are working on building their relationships and the impact of Sept. 11.
The program has a world-wide viewership of 150 million. |
| ISBA Conducts Training for Speakers
As part of ISBA's speaker certification, speakers receive training and testing. ISBA conducts training seminars where speakers can learn more about presentation techniques and Islam. Recently, ISBA conducted several workshops including one on storytelling by storyteller Audrey Gales and Hannah Harvey, a professor from Kennesaw State University.
Speakers also had an opportunity to participate in a public speaking workshop presented by Dr. Richard Welch, a professor of Communications and also executive director for the Anti-Prejudice Consortium.
The speakers also attended Christianity and Islam - Differences and Similarities workshop. This workshop was given by Deacon George Dardess of Rochester, NY. |
Brenau University Asks ISBA to Moderate Event
Last month, ISBA moderated one in a series of events at Brenau University meant to build tolerance and understanding. The event began with the showing of "Beauty Academy of Kabul," a documentary that followed hairdressers and beauticians from the U.S. to Kabul to start a beauty academy.
The panel, which was made up of students from Kabul studying at Brenau, professors and activists, provided their thoughts on the movie. ISBA moderated the panel and also gave an overview of women in Islam and cultural practices. | |
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