Source: www.newsroom.org

On July 9, 2001, www.newsroom.org reported that "Muslims living in America are beginning to discover new points of convergence between what is known as the birthplace of freedom and the birthplace of Islam’s founder, the Prophet Muhammad...'There is no other place on earth outside of the U.S. where dialogue of the sort we’re experiencing is happening,' observed Shabbir Mansuri, founding director of the Council on Islamic Education...Muslims in America are experiencing an evolution of identity that could only occur in a place...

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On July 9, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported that Shareef Abdur-Rahim, "Atlanta's prodigal son," is returning home to play baseball for the Hawks. "Being home also allows Abdur-Rahim to worship with his family. The Abdur- Rahims are devout Muslims who faithfully practice Islam. It is the foundation of his existence, he said."

Source: The Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/xml/story.ssf/html_standard.xsl?/base/cuyahoga/9945846111484050.xml

On July 8, 2001, The Plain Dealer reported that members of the Islamic Circle of North America "are using their convention in Cleveland to promote the rights of Muslims in violence-torn countries and women within their own families. 'Islam for Peace and...

Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 7, 2001, the Los Angeles Times reported that "Diana Eck, a Harvard professor of comparative religion and Indian studies, has become one of America's leading voices on religious pluralism...Her latest book, 'A New Religious America'...challenges all Americans to embrace the astonishing religious diversity that now animates the nation...In Los Angeles, efforts to deal with religious diversity began early. The city launched the nation's first interfaith council 25 years ago."

Source: The Plain Dealer

On July 6, 2001, The Plain Dealer reported that "more than 5,000 Muslims...are gathering in Cleveland for the opening today of the annual meeting of the Islamic Circle of North America. This is the first time a national Muslim group has held a convention in the city." Muslims are planning a "rally for justice in the Middle East and Kashmir and for a controversial activist accused of killing a deputy sheriff in Atlanta." This is the beginning of political activism on the part of Northeast Ohio Muslims, who "40 years ago had only one...

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/today/

On July 6, 2001, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that "more than 5,000 Muslims...are gathering in Cleveland for the opening today of the annual meeting of the Islamic Circle of North America. This is the first time a national Muslim group has held a convention in the city." It is part of the Muslim entrance into the American public arena.

Source: The Plain Dealer

On July 6, 2001, The Plain Dealer reported that "more than 5,000 Muslims...are gathering in Cleveland for the opening today of the annual meeting of the Islamic Circle of North America. This is the first time a national Muslim group has held a convention in the city." Muslims ae planning a "rally for justice in the Middle East and Kashmir and for a controversial activist accused killing a deputy sheriff in Atlanta." This is the beginning of political activism on the part of Northeast Ohio create a backlash of anti-Muslim prejudice...

Source: The New York Times

On July 5, 2001, The New York Times reported on "the Islamic prohibition on paying or receiving interest...Faith has never been much of a factor in the mortgage business and fashioning products to accommodate religious requirements is a novel...idea for regulated institutions like banks. But, mindful of the country's changing demographics, some financial services companies now see the estimated five million to seven million Muslims in America as an untapped market."

Source: The Baltimore Sun

On July 5, 2001, The Baltimore Sun reported on "the challenge many young Muslims face in the United States - asserting their religious identity while assimilating in society...Differences in customs and values can set Muslims apart...What's considered acceptable behavior for an American youth might be strictly prohibited by Islam."

Source: The New York Times

On July 5, 2001, The New York Times reported that "many observant Muslims and experts in Shariah, or Islamic law, do not agree whether [the Qur'an's prohibition on usury] bans any interest at all or only excessive interest...A growing number of Muslims...are seeking an alternative that adheres to the stricter interpretation of Islamic law."

Source: The Boston Globe

On July 4, 2001, The Boston Globe reported that "a Turkish court ordered a Muslim cleric who is an American citizen held in jail to face charges of insulting the secular state...Aydogan Fuat...leads an Islamic group with several hundred followers in New York."

Source: The Commercial Appeal

On July 3, 2001, the Memphis The Commercial Appeal reported that "Memphis Police officer Mahajj Abdul-Baaqee doesn't mind explaining to his fellow officers" how to respect Muslim traditions while they conduct investigations. "In May, he was selected by the city's Office of Multicultural and Religious Affairs to serve as liaison for the Islamic community...As the face of Memphis changes, the need for liaisons to deal with everything from crime issues to cultural differences in the growing multiethnic communities increases."

Source: Associated Press

On July 3, 2001, the Associated Press reported that, "angered by media portrayals they believe are extremist, Muslims have taken to shopping malls to spread the word about their faith and clear up any misconceptions...The Islamic Circle of North America...has visited five New Jersey malls in the last eight months and operates an Internet informational site and a toll-free, 24-hour hotline." The Islamic Circle of North America's website is www.icna.org. Their informnational website iw...

Source: The Record

http://www.bergen.com/news/islammall200107032.htm

On July 3, 2001, the Bergen County Record reported that "frustrated by media coverage they believe portrays Muslims as extremists, New Jersey Muslims are taking their faith directly to the people. Visiting shopping malls around the state, they aim to teach the public about a...religion that is just beginning to assert its presence on American soil...The group, most of them volunteers with the Islamic...

Source: INDIA New England

On July 1, 2001, INDIA New England reported that "reflecting...the community's growth across the United States, New England's Indian-American population has more than doubled in the past 10 years...The availability of work visas, the lure of academic institutions and the vitality of the region's high-tech industry have fueled this increase locally...The...2000 census reported 76,157 Indian-Americans in New England," up from 36,282 in 1990. "In New England, Massachusetts has the largest Indian-American population -- increasing from...