Arab Voices Community Calendar/Announcements
The events listed below are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by Arab Voices. Listing them on this site is a service to the community to be aware of activities and events in the Greater Houston Area. To include an event on this calendar, send e-mail to info@arabvoices.net.

2017 Events	Click here for a list of UPCOMING events._

December 29-31, 2017  -  Texas Dawah Convention & Carnival   Texas Dawah Convention proudly presents the return of our CITY WIDE CARNIVAL along with Texas Dawah 2017! TDC is back and it's bigger than ever with some of the most intriguing discussions, topics, and lectures by dynamic scholars, da'ees, and activists.   Date: December 29-31, 2017 Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston 77010   Find out more at: http://goingtotdc.com/.             December 29-31, 2017  -  2nd National Latino Muslim Convention   Leadership Evolution     Date: December 29-31, 2017 Location: George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston 77010   Find out more at: https://www.islaminspanish.org/convention             December 16, 2017  -  Path To Success In America: Christian African American & Muslim Perspectives Join us this Saturday for a very engaging lecture where Rev. Ronnie Lester and Dr. Hamed Ghazali will be sharing their unique perspectives on this topic. Date: Saturday, December 16, 2017 Time: 7:30pm Location: MAS Katy Center, 1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094   Click here for event flyer.           December 15, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Group Gathering   The ACC Ladies' Night Out Group At Bait Al-Arab (ACC)   Date: Friday, December 15, 2017 Time: 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Winter Season & Holidays Celebration Night   The ladies at Bait AlArab welcomes all community ladies to our monthly ladies night gathering, celebrating Winter Season & Holidays at the ACC on Friday December 15th at 6 pm at the ACC.    Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment • If you are talented and would like to share and show your talent come ready to present it at the holiday talent show. • Dress up in Red and or Green colors to reflect the season spirit. • Bring a gift for gift exchange. • Games, raffle Door prize Bazzar and much more. • Bring a warm dish to share . • Be ready to dance and Let us have fun.     Don't miss a night full of fun, education and entertainment. Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!   Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child.   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated. To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.         December 10, 2017  -  Promise for Palestine Tour featuring Mohammed Assaf       Special Guests    Mohammed Assaf - Entertainer/Speaker    Linda Sarsour - Civil Rights Activist    Said Durrah - Comedian     Islamic Relief USA is proud to present the Promise for Palestine tour, featuring special guests Mohammed Assaf and Linda Sarsour. This amazing fundraising event for Palestine Humanitarian Aid will span six cities, giving participants an exclusive look into the life and times of humanitarian and world renowned entertainer Mohammed Assaf as you have never seen him before: sharing his story, live on stage. Attendees will be treated to a special live performance too!   And if you thought it couldn’t get any better—read this: Palestinian American Civil Rights Activist Linda Sarsour, a woman who has dedicated her life to justice and humanity, will be giving a special address in select cities about what a promise for Palestine truly means, and why people like you are so essential to seeing that promise through.   Do not miss your chance to be a part of this historic event. Make the promise to our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Get your tickets now before they are gone!   Sunday, December 10, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 10 PM location: Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, Texas 77010   3-Course Dinner Provided | Childcare Provided for $15 Contact Information: Abdur Rehman Badat | abadat@irusa.org       For more information, click here.         December 9, 2017  -   Emergency Rally: Jerusalem is the Capital of Palestine    Join the Jerusalem - Capital of Palestine Coalition on Saturday (12/9) at 2:00 p.m. at the corner of Westheimer and Post Oak as we protest Trump's declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel, and intention to relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem. Against the backdrop of near-unanimous global opposition, Trump's decision not only stands in contravention of International Law but also works the connection that Palestinians of all faith share with Jerusalem. Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017 Time: 2 PM - 6 PM Location: Corner of Westheimer and Post Oak in the Galleria area), 2521 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056    Stand with us as we declare that Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine!        December 9, 2017  -   Book Festival    Connecting Authors with Readers   Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017 Time: 11am - 5pm Location: Islamic Dawah Center, 201 Travis street, Houston, TX 77002   Local Islamic Authors Book Fair Bazar Art Demonstration Food Truck   Free Admission     December 9, 2017  -  United for the Future Comedy Night    United for the Future Comedy Night For the Education of Syrian Refugees   Date: Saturday, December 9, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Tempura Sugarland Ballroom, 16305 Kensington Dr, Sugar Land TX 77479   Contact: Ayub Hagi, (713) 517-8339, ayub.hagi-mohamed@hhrd.us Summayah Johnson, (832) 732- 4967, Summayah.johnson@hhrd.us      Helping Hand for Relief and Development - 501(c)3 tax exempt organization Tax Exempt ID -- USA: 31-1628040   For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.hhrd.org/.     December 8, 2017  -  ACC Annual Unity & Friendship Gala    Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) Annual Unity & Friendship Gala   Elevating Humanity    Date: December 8, 2017 Time:  Reception starts at 7:30 p.m., Program & Dinner starts at 8:15 p.m. Sharp Location: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 2222 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77027       Honoring:    Dr. Aziz Shaibani: 2017 ACC Outstanding Community Service Award    Mr. Said Fattouh: 2017 ACC Arab Media Award    The Syrian American Club: 2017 ACC Outstanding Refugees Service Award   Highlight the Culture and People of Syria   Keynote Speaker: Fares Ksebati    Gala Chairs: Hadia Mawlawi & Mariam Haddad    Live Entertainment by Moodafaruka    Silent Auction   RSVP by Monday, November 20, 2017 at 832-351-3366 or gala@acchouston.org.         For more information, click here.          December 7, 2017  -  Free Health Talk Series: Hearth Health   The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) in partnership with the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) present "Health Talk Series" covering useful topics pertaining to our every day lives.   Discussions with local experts on health related topics you need to know!    Date: December 7, 2018 Time: 7pm - 8:30pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   FREE Community Health Series Hosted by the National Arab American Medical Association-Houston Chapter.        December 6, 2017  -  Houston Hate Crimes Forum    Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017 Time: 6 pm - 9 pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd., Houston 77099           Click here for more information/event flyer.          December 7, 2017  -  Free Health Talk Series: Heart Health   The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) in partnership with the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) present "Health Talk Series" covering useful topics pertaining to our every day lives.   Discussions with local experts on health related topics you need to know!    Date: December 7, 2017 Time: 7pm - 8:30pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   FREE Community Health Series Hosted by the National Arab American Medical Association-Houston Chapter.        December 3, 2017  -  "Sectarianism, Secularism, and the Arab Upheavals"  by Dr. Aziz Al-Azmeh بكل سرور ندعوكم لجلسة حوار بالعربيه مع المفكر السوري الأستاذ عزيز العظمه عن "العلمانيه والطائفيه والأضطرابات العربيه" والتي تقام في المركز العربي ألأمريكي في الثالث من كانون ألأول المقبل الساعة الثانية بعد الظهر   الحوار سوف يُدار من قبل عزيز الشيباني برعاية األمؤسسه العربيه ألأمريكيه للتربيه والمركز العربي ألأمريكي   ألأستاذ العظمه سوف يزور هيوستن لألقاء المحاضره ألأساسيه في ندوه عن "مناهضة الطائفيه في التقاليد العربيه" تنظمها سوية جامعتا رايس وهيوستن . للأطلاع على مؤهلات ألأستاذ ألزائر يرجى زيارة صفحته على الوكيبيديا وبحضوركم يتم الحوار وتعم الفائده ألمؤسسه العربيه ألأمريكيه للتربيه     A conversation with the Syrian thinker, Professor Aziz Al Azmeh about sectarianism, secularism, and the Arab upheavals.    Date: Sunday, December 3, 2017 Time: 2 pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Moderated by Dr. Aziz Shaibani   Sponsored by The Arab American Educational Foundation (AAEF) and the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC)   Professor Al Azmeh will be in Houston as a keynote speaker for a symposium about anti sectarianism organized by Rice university and the University of Houston.   We look forward to your presence. Arab American Educational Foundation (www.theaaef.org)            December 1-2, 2017  -  Arab Traditions of Anti-Sectarianism Conference     Rice University and University of Houston      Sponsored by Department of History, Humanities Research Center, Arab-American Educational Foundation Lecture Fund at Rice University and Department of History and Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair of Arab History at University of Houston.   DAY 1, Friday, December 1, 2017 Founder's Room (Lovett Hall, Entrance B, 2nd Floor), Rice University           Panels:  - Anti-Sectarianism of the Nahda  - Beyond Minorities? Anti-Sectarianism and the Mandate Era  - Antisectarian social and political movements   Keynote:  - Sectarianism & Antisectarianism in the Modern Arab World by Aziz Al-Azmeh (CEU)    Kyle Morrow Room, 3rd floor Fondren Library, Rice University         DAY 2, Saturday December 2, 2017 University of Houston, Student Center South, Skyline Room           Panels:  - Palestine and the logic of Revolutionary Anti-sectarianism  - Anti-sectarianism in Iraq and the Gulf  - Anti-sectarianism and the Sectarian State   Concluding Remarks:  - Ilan Pappe (Exeter) For more information, visit http://antisectarianismconference.blogs.rice.edu/.          December 1, 2017  -  “Sectarianism and Anti-sectarianism in the Modern Arab World” by Dr. Aziz Al-Azmeh        Rice University and University of Houston invite you to a lecture by Dr. Aziz Al-Azmeh.    Dr. Aziz Al-Azmeh, University Professor in the Department of History and Director of the Center for Religious Studies at the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary, will be providing the keynote address for the Arab Traditions of Anti-sectarianism Conference.   Date: Friday, December 1, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Kyle Morrow Room, 3rd Floor Fondren Library, Rice University    Click here or more information/event flyer.          November 30, 2017  -  "Black November: The Role of Partition in Palestine's History and Destiny" by Ilan Pappé Students for Justice in Palestine is honored to co-host with the Palestinian American Cultural Center: Professor Ilan Pappé who will present on the centennial of the Balfour Declaration. The title of his lecture is: "Black November: The Role of Partition in Palestine's History and Destiny."   Date: Thursday, November 30, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 10 PM Location: Graduate College of Social Work - Room 102, University of Houston   Professor Pappé is the author of several books, most notably "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine" and most recently "The Biggest Prison on Earth: A History of the Occupied Territories." Presently he is the Director of the European Centre for Palestine Studies at the University of Exeter. Professor Pappé obtained his BA degree from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1979 and the D. Phil from the University of Oxford in 1984. He founded and directed the Academic Institute for Peace in Givat Haviva, Israel between 1992 to 2000 and was the Chair of the Emil Tuma Institute for Palestine Studies in Haifa between 2000 and 2006. Professor Pappé was a senior lecturer in the department of Middle Eastern History and the Department of Political Science in Haifa University, Israel between 1984 and 2006. He was appointed as chair in the department of History in the Cornwall Campus, 2007-2009 and became a fellow of the IAIS in 2010. His research focuses on the modern Middle East and in particular the history of Israel and Palestine. He has also written on multiculturalism, Critical Discourse Analysis and on Power and Knowledge in general.         November 30 (deadline): ACC 2017-2018 Scholarship   The Arab American Cultural and Community Center is pleased to announce the annual College Scholarship Program for Arab American students who seek or currently attend a College or University. The application period will run from Monday, September 25th, 2017 to Thursday, November 30th, 2017. To apply for The Arab-American Cultural & Community Center Scholarship Program, please submit the following items in a neat package in a clear binder in the order: 1. Complete the attached application form. Must be enrolled in accredited Senior High School, College, or University. And of Arabic origins. 2. Submit prove of enrollment in accredited Senior High School, College, or University in USA. 3. Submit two letters of recommendation from either your teachers and/or employers. These should state how long you have been acquainted, what the nature of the relationship is, comments about your character and abilities, and any other information you would like the committee to consider. 4. Prepare and attach an essay of at least 500 words (typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, no more than two pages long), describing your career goals, your reasons for choosing these goals and what you have done thus far to prepare yourself and how you hope to give back to your community one day. Please state any previous volunteer work for the ACC or any other non-profit organization. 5. Attach an official transcript of your grades from your high school and college (if you have begun taking classes). 6. A Signed commitment pledge to volunteer for the Arab American Center in Houston for at least 10 hours during the semester in which the scholarship was awarded. Mail or bring in your packet to: The Arab-American Cultural & Community Center 10555 Stancliff Road Houston, TX 77099 Attn: Scholarship Program Application Submissions Deadline: Package must be received by November 30th, 2017. Scholarship recipient will be notified starting December 20th, 2017. Scholarship will be paid into 2 payments. Last payment made after the volunteering hours have been completed to satisfaction. Click here to download ACC Scholarship Application Pack For more information, please email: school@acchouston.org.         November 27, 2017  -  Boko Haram: From Nigerian Preachers to Islamic State’s West African Province       The militant Islamist group Boko Haram has terrorized Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, for almost two decades. The organization’s growth is a result of a number of political, social and economic factors, both in Nigeria and internationally. And while the group has proclaimed its allegiance to the Islamic State’s international terrorism network, understanding Boko Haram’s domestic drivers and roots in the Nigerian context is of critical importance for policymakers.   Join us for a discussion on Boko Haram and the growth of Salafi-jihadism in Nigeria and West Africa. A panel of experts will explore the drivers of this movement and the social and policy issues involved. The forthcoming book, "From Nigerian Preachers to Islamic State’s West African Province,” will serve as the basis for the dialogue.   Featured Speakers: - Abdulbasit Kassim, Author - Michael Nwankpa, Ph.D., Author - Amidu Olalekan Sanni, Ph.D., Professor of Arabic, African and Middle Eastern Studies, Lagos State University   Moderated by: David Cook, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religion, Rice University, and Rice Faculty Scholar, Baker Institute   Date: Monday, November 27, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University    For more information, click here.          November 24-26, 2017  -  11th Annual ICNA-MAS South Central Regional Convention       Slaves of Allah | Servants of Humanity   A wonderful event for the entire family! We have an outstanding program lined up for everyone!   Date: November 24-26, 2017 Location: Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, Texas 77010   Highlights: - Your Favorite Speakers! - Mega Bazaar - Midnight Basketball Tournament - Fun Rides - Exhibition - Interactive Presentations - Youth ONLY sessions - Hands on Workshops *Friday Khutbah at 1:30pm and Salaah at 2pm, Insha'Allah! Timings for the convention: Friday: 1pm - Midnight (There will be arrangements for Jumuah Khutbah) Saturday: 9:30am - Midnight Sunday: 9am - 1:30pm   For more information, visit http://icnatexas.org/.        November 22-26, 2017  -  ADS Houston Chapter Thanksgiving Convention The ADS Houston Chapter Cordially invites you to its Thanksgiving Convention "Celebrating the Druze Millennium"   November 22 – November 26 Nov 22 at 10 AM to Nov 26 at 2 PM "Continuing on the "Road to 2017" theme from the 2012 Thanksgiving Convention   Please join us for an amazing time deep in the heart of Texas.   For more information, visit http://www.adshoustonchapter.com/.       November 19, 2017  -  Presentation on the Life and Works of Syrian Movie Director Omar Amiralay Author Tarif Youssef Agha in association with The Syrian American Club of Houston invites you to a presentation on the Life, Works and Sudden Death of Omar Amiralay, The World-Famous Syrian Movie Director and the Father of the Arab Documentary.   Free admission. Presentation is in Arabic with English subtitles.   Date: Sunday, November 19, 2017 Time: 4:00 to 6:00 PM Location: The Syrian American Club, 5729 Winsome Ln, Houston, TX 77057           November 18, 2017  -  Alliance's Annual Thanksgiving Drive Alliance for Multicultural Community Services is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Drive to welcome refugees and promote cultural integration. We will be distributing food baskets, clothing, and jackets to our newest refugee clients. We are seeking your support through monetary and in-kind jacket donations to make this possible.   Date: Saturday, November 18, 2017 Time: 10 am - 2 pm Location: Alliance for Multicultural Community Services, 6440 Hillcroft Ave, Houston 77081   to donate, please contact Maisaa Zaza at 713-320-9785 or mzaza@allianceontheweb.org.   Click here for event flyer.         November 17, 2017  -  Houston Palestine Film Festival: Films of Mona Hatoum Spend an evening with members of the Houston Palestine Film Festival and their invited scholars and artists for a screening and discussion of several fascinating short films by Mona Hatoum, including Measures of Distance, Roadworks, So Much I Want To Say, and Changing Parts.   Date: Friday, November 17, 2017 Time: 7–8 p.m. Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, Texas 77006   Click here for more information.        November 12, 2017  -  CAIR-Houston's Annual Banquet   "Living our faith: Defending freedom"   Date: Sunday, November 12, 2017 Time: 4 pm - 8 pm Location: Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056   Distinguished Speakers:    Edward Ahmed Mitchell, Esq., Executive Director , CAIR-GA    Aziz Akbari, Board of Directors, Alameda County Water District    Mike Floyd, Board of Trustees, Pearland ISD    Click here for event flyer, or visit www.cairtexas.com for more information.     November 11-12, 2017  -  Islamic Arts Festival 2017   Come and enjoy a unique family friendly festival. Experience the rich tradition of Arts in Islam. View Islamic calligraphy, woodwork, ceramic tiles and paintings from local artists! Experience the art of henna tattoo, Ebru and calligraphy. Interact with artists and take part in silent auction. Art activities for all ages. Enjoy ethnic food from Food Trucks.    Date: November 11 at 10:30 am to November 12 at 5:30pm Location: Masjid Al Salam - Champions Islamic Center, 16700 Old Louetta Road, Houston, Texas 77070    Welcome all! Admissions Free!   For more information, click here.     November 10, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Group Gathering   The ACC Ladies' Night Out Group At Bait Al-Arab (ACC)   Date: Friday, November 10, 2017 Time: 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Thanks Giving Night   The ladies at Bait AlArab welcomes all community ladies to our kick off ladies night gathering for for Arabic Mothers Day celebration on Friday, November 10th at 6 pm at the ACC.   Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment • Learn about Real Estate, lenders, help recover from Harvey and more in a discussion session presented by Mrs. Sihem Idrissou (SAM) "Keller Williams Premier - Real Estate Consultant". • Show your inspiration of the month by dressing up with fall colors. • Games, raffle Door prize Bazzar and much more. • Bring a thanksgiving dish to share and let's have a feast.    Don't miss a night full of fun, education and entertainment. Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!   Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child.   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated. To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.         November 10, 2017  -  SAC Fundraising Reception Recognizing Donors and Scholarship Recipients   The Syrian American Club of Houston cordially invites you to a fundraising reception on Friday, November 10, 2017 at: Al-Sham Center 5729 Winsome Lane Houston, Texas 77057 The reception will start at 7:00 pm and will be followed by a presentation recognizing our generous donors and scholarship recipients.   You may RSVP using the mailed response card or online at www.syrianamericanclub.com, using the "Events" or "Donate" tab.                November 9, 2017  -  Poetry Reading with Naomi Shihab Nye Date: Thursday, November 9, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 8 PM Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, Texas 77006   Describing herself as a “wandering poet,” Naomi Shihab Nye has been the author and/or editor of more than thirty volumes. This original poetry performance was developed as a response to the exhibition Mona Hatoum: Terra Infirma.   All public programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. For the latest information, visit https://www.menil.org/events/public-programs.       November 6 (deadline): ACC Creative Writing Award under the Patronage of Arwa Shaibani    Call for Storytelling Writing Submission    The Novelette Contest is open to Arab Youth Refugees ages 7 to 17 years old to encourage creative talent in short story literature and provide a platform for young writers to share their compelling stories and inner thoughts with the rest of the world.     Submission deadline is Monday November 6th, 2017.   All participants will be sent a $25 gift card.   Selected essays will be compiled into a booklet of 50 stories. The work will be edited and published by our generous sponsor and novelist Mrs. Arwa Shaibani.   The top three essays will respectively receive $500, $300, $200 in cash prize at the ACC Annual gala on December 8th at the Royal Sonesta Hotel.   For more details on Scope and guidelines, instructions for submission, click here. جائزة المركز الثقافي الإجتماعي العربي الأمريكي في هيوستن للكتابة الإبداعية تحت رعاية الروائية الأستاذة آروى شيباني     مسابقة القصة الصغيرة       مسابقة الروائيين مفتوحة أمام اللاجئين العرب الشباب الذين تتراوح أعمارهم بين 7 و 17 سنة، وذلك لتشجيع المواهب الإبداعية في أدب القصة القصيرة ، و أيضا لتوفير منصة للكتاب الشباب لمشاركة قصصهم المؤلفة وأفكارهم الكامنة بداخلهم مع بقية العالم آخر موعد للتقديم هو يوم الاثنين الموافق السادس من شهر نوفمبر / تشرين الثاني لعام 2017  ($25 Gift Card) سيحصل كل متسابق علي كارت هدية بقيمة خمسة وعشرون دولار سوف تجمع مقاالت مختارة في كتيب من 50 قصة. سيتم تحرير العمل ونشره من قبل الراعية الكريمة والروائية الأستاذة آروى شيباني سيتم تسليم جوائز نقدية للفائزين الثلاث الأوائل على التوالي كالتالي:  دولار للفائز الأول 500  دولار للفائز الثاني 300  دولار للفائز الثالث 200    وذلك أثناء إحتفال الجالا السنوي للمركز الثقافي الإجتماعي العربي الأمريكي يوم الجمعة الموافق الثامن من شهر ديسمبر/كانون الأول بفندق رويال سونستا بهيوستن – ولاية تكساس للمزيد من التفاصيل عن المسابقة والهدف منها وكيفية التسجيل و الشروط والمعايير اللازمة للتسجيل اضغط هنا            November 4, 2017  -  International Festival Live (iFest) Calling all world travelers! Get ready for exciting cultural performances and activities at iFest Live 2017. The international events celebrates the diversity of cultures within the community and features dozens of local organizations that will showcase their unique and vibrant heritages from all around the world through performances, art, food, and activities.   This year the fun will include: -booths representing various countries -performances and dance by local organizations -international food and beverages available for purchase -face painting and henna artist   Date: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: 10 AM - 2 PM Location: Sugar Land Town Square, 2711 Plaza Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77479   This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/1289/iFest-Live.            November 4, 2017  -  Lessons in Seeing A film by Yehuda Sharim.   Lessons in Seeing is the story of Sibhatleab Mebratu, an aging math teacher who spent 25 years as a political prisoner and refugee in Ethiopia. During his first week in Houston, Sibhatleab visits Salem Market, a store that caters to Houston’s diverse African communities. The film depicts his journey in a new country, his struggles with eviction, and his love of math in the summer before a contentious election amid growing anti-refugee rhetoric.   Date: Saturday, November 4, 2017 Time: 6:30pm Location: Rice Media Center, Rice Cinema (Rm. 100), Houston   For more information, click here.   Event Flyer.        November 3, 2017 - Syrian American Club Scholarship Endowment Gala   The Syrian American Club 2017 Scholarship Endowment Gala Date: Friday, November 3, 2017 Location: Hilton Houston Post Oak, 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston TX 77056        November 2, 2017  -  Free Health Talk Series: Infectious Diseases   The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) in partnership with the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) present "Health Talk Series" covering useful topics pertaining to our every day lives.   Discussions with local experts on health related topics you need to know!    Date: November 2, 2017 Time: 7pm - 8:30pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   FREE Community Health Series Hosted by the National Arab American Medical Association-Houston Chapter.        Arabic Theater for Kids & Youth! Ages 7 to 15 years old   The famous writer and Theatrical Director Shakespeare said: "Give me a theater, and I give you a great Nation!"   Based on our belief in the importance of the Theater and our passion for this prestigious field, ACC is starting Arabic Theatre Club that will take place on weekends for kids and Teenagers. Classes will be presented by Mrs. Samia Ayari.   The Theater Classes will include a theoretical aspect in terms of enabling the child to learn about the history of Western and Arab Theater and urging them to research it and provide information sheets that enhance their research and knowledge. It also incites them to perform the most famous Western and Arabic plays in different languages. The lessons also include the practical aspect and the readiness of the body through expressive body acting and voice exercises. Through theater, we seek to provide knowledge and entertainment in a space where the child starts to express him/herself.   Samia Ayari is Tunisian. She moved to Houston TX 5 years ago. Before then, she had more than 15 years experience in Artistic Field. She presented television and theatre projects in Tunisia and other Arab & Western Countries. She got her Bachelor Degree in Journalism & Communication, and Master Degree in Dramatic Arts.   Theatre Club Classes:    Days: Saturdays or Sundays    Time: 1pm - 2pm    Fees: $50/month    Special Discount to ACC School Students: $40/month   To learn more, please call the Arab American Cultural & Community Center at 832.351.3366.         October 27-29, 2017  -  National SJP Conference   National SJP is excited to officially announce that our 7th annual national conference, A Reimagined World: Dismantling Walls from Palestine to the Rio Grande, will be held Fri.-Sun., October 27-29, 2017 in Houston, TX, hosted by University of Houston Students for Justice in Palestine.   Date: October 27-29, 2017 Location: University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston, Texas 77204      For more information, visit www.nationalsjp.org.       October 28, 2017  -  Houston Egyptian Festival   Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017 Time: 11 AM - 9 PM Location: Discovery Green, Downtown Houston   For more information, visit http://egyptfesthouston.com/.     October 27, 2017  -  Hopps Award Lecture: Reem Fadda   Based in Ramallah, Palestine, and Amman, Jordan, Palestinian curator Reem Fadda is the eighth recipient of the biennial Walter Hopps Award for Curatorial Achievement. Get a firsthand account of Fadda’s recent research on contemporary art from Africa and the Middle East.   Named for the Menil Collection’s founding director and chosen by a distinguished jury, the Walter Hopps Award recognizes outstanding, early to mid-career curators.      Date: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 8 PM Location: The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, Texas 77006    All public programs are free and open to the public. Seating is limited. For the latest information, visit https://www.menil.org/events/public-programs.        October 27, 2017 - AUB Alumni Houston Chapter's Halloween Harmony   AUB alumni in the Houston area, join us for the Houston Chapter's Halloween Harmony.   Date: Friday, October 27, 2017 Time: 8:00pm Location: Fadi's Banquet Hall, 2000 Highway 6, Houston, TX 77077   RSVP by October 20th to 281-352-5732 Contact: Tania Shaheen, tshaheen@rocketmail.com, For more information, click here.         October 26, 2017  -  Brain Science and Visual Art   Presented by Aziz Shaibani, MD, FACP, FAAN, clinical professor of medicine, Baylor College of Medicine; director, Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas; and adjunct professor of neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC)   Looking at the creation of art from the perspective of its effect on the brain, all artists are neurologists. In this lecture, Aziz Shaibani explains in simple terms the magnificent power of the brain in relation to aesthetic experiences.   The function of visual art is to provoke different sorts of emotions. These emotions are manufactured by the visual and other parts of the brain, all of which contribute to the creation of the aesthetic experience to variable degrees. Figurative art usually provokes built-in, genetically wired mechanisms that evolved over millions of years for survival. However, the more abstract the art, the more the aesthetic experience is derived from personal experience and memory, triggering the engagement of many cerebral areas. Art that utilizes different proportions of color, form, lines, and motion engages numerous innate and acquired brain tools to convey or make meaning. Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017 Time: 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005   Art of the Islamic Worlds/Rice Humanities Research Center Initiative This public lecture is the first in a series organized by the Art of the Islamic Worlds curatorial team at the MFAH and Rice Humanities Research Center to foster deeper understanding of the visual arts and cultural heritage. This program is free! Drop in to participate. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.   For more information, click here.        October 23, 2017  -  Walls of Racism and Oppression - Texas to Palestine and Beyond     Meet Veterans For Peace Palestine/Israel Delegation on their Texas Tour   Presentation by delegates who have traveled to Palestine, Ferguson, Standing Rock, Jeju Island, Okinawa, and more - and will visit the US/Mexico border this Fall - to witness and support oppressed communities.   Date: Monday, October 23, 2017 Time: 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:00 program followed by Q&A. Location: Dominican Sisters of Houston, 6501 Almeda Rd., Houston   Here’s a trailer of what the veterans are doing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJaD_N-hkoI&t=22s Suggested donation at the door, sliding scale: $15 - $10. No one turned away.   A nine-person Veterans For Peace delegation visited Palestine/Israel earlier this year. While there, they met with Palestinian popular resistance leaders as well as members of the Knesset. They participated in nonviolent direct action and witnessed the resiliency, solidarity, creativity and courage of the Palestinian resistance to the Israeli occupation and the settlements that steal their land, water, and other resources.   Come and learn what is happening in the veteran community on this issue.   For more information and/or to sign up, click here.  Please spread the word and invite friends who might be interested in the subject.        October 21, 2017  -  3rd Annual Muslim Women's Literary Conference Daybreak Press is back with the collaboration of local Houston organizations, the Sisters Committee of ISGH & the University of Houston MSA, to bring you the 3rd Annual Muslim Women's Literary Conference! Join us as we celebrate the rise of women's voices in literature and the impact their work has on society as a whole. This year's theme is Stories in the Attic: Unleashing the Treasures Within. We welcome to our stage the following speakers who will unravel the magnificence of writing and honoring their identities as women of faith against the backdrop of race, gender and cultural politics. Attendees will be able to meet the speakers, purchase books and have an opportunity to have their books signed by the authors, inshaAllah. Entertainment showcases phenomenal local sisters and their talent in spoken word, poetry and nasheed! **Lunch & refreshments included with registration fee!** Date: Saturday, October 21, 2017 Time: 10 AM - 5 PM Location: University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston, Texas 77204 Speakers List: Anse Tamara Gray, doctoral candidate at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN - Scholar, founder of Rabata and author of Joy Jots. Asmaa Hussein, LSW - Founder of Ruqaya's Bookshelf, children's book writer and author of A Temporary Gift: Reflections on Love, Loss and Healing Jamillah Karim, PhD - Professor, award-winning academic and author of Women of the Nation: Between Black Protest and Sunni Islam & American Muslim Women: Negotiating Race, Class, and Gender within the Ummah Najiyah Diana Maxfield - Executive Director of Daybreak Press, award-winning writer and author of Sophia's Journal Nahela Morales - Recently joined the ICNA-Dallas team, former Director of Operations at IslamInSpanish, daa'iya and Mexican Muslim American blogger aka Umm Andrew Author Tayyaba Syed - Journalist, award-winning author of The Blessed Banana Tree and co-author of Jannah Jewels series Jenny Triplett of Rufus & Jenny - Marriage & Business Mentors - Best-selling author of Suriving Marriage in the 21st Century, television personality seen on TLC, CNN, Dr. Phil and activist in the effort to thwart mass incarceration with education and mentorship   For more information, click here.         October 20, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Group Gathering   The ACC Ladies' Night Out Group At Bait Al-Arab (ACC)   Date: Friday, October 20, 2017 Time: From 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Breast Cancer Awareness Night   The ladies at Bait AlArab welcomes all community ladies to our kick off ladies night gathering for for Arabic Mothers Day celebration on Friday, October 20th at 6 pm at the ACC.   Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment • Learn about Breast Cancer, causes, prevention and treatment in a discussion session presented by Dr. Rola El-Serag. • Show your inspiration of the month by dressing out with your favorite story character and be ready to share it. • Games, raffle Door prize Bazzar and much more. • Bring a home made dish to Share    Don't miss a night full of fun, education and entertainment. Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!   Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child.   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated. To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.         October 20, 2017  -  Aspiring for Abraham- An Interfaith Event AN IMAM, A RABBI, AND PRIEST WALK INTO A MOSQUE ASPIRING FOR ABRAHAM- AN INTERFAITH EVENT   Khalid Latif is Executive Director and Chaplain (Imam) for the Islamic Center at New York University (NYU).   In 2005, Imam Latif was appointed the first Muslim chaplain at NYU. In 2006, Imam Latif was appointed the first Muslim chaplain at Princeton University. In 2007, Imam Latif’s position was fully institutionalized at New York University, and so he committed himself to that institution and the building of a Muslim life institution. Imam Latif’s dedication and ability to cross faith and cultural boundaries on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout the city, so much so that in 2007, Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department when he was 24 years old. Since then, Imam Latif has dedicated himself to America’s largest police department, and has developed tremendously valuable skills as a spokesperson for co-existence, mutual understanding, and productive relationships between cultures, communities, and religions. Imam Latif has not only managed to build a strong Muslim institution at NYU, but he has offered his experience to the U.S. State Department, various institutions, corporations, mosques, and other communities in the United States, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, and Egypt. He is a highly sought-after speaker, offering to diverse audiences his unique blend of motivational speaking, leadership insights, spiritual development, and religious awareness. He has been invited to speak at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Yeshiva University, St. John's University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of California-Davis, University of California-Berkeley, Columbia University, Princeton University, The University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), the Ohio State University and Harvard University. Imam Latif has been quoted or otherwise featured on numerous media outlets including BBC, NPR, CNN, the New York Times, Newsweek, Time Magazine, BET, the guardian and GEO TV. Amongst many awards and distinctions for leadership and community service over the last few years, Imam Latif was most recently named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world in 2010 by Georgetown University's Prince Alwaleed Center for Muslim–Christian Understanding and The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. In 2009, Imam Latif was a runner-up in the FaithTrust Institute's National Sermon Contest for his sermon "Real Men Don't Hit Women". Imam Latif is one of the principal subjects of Chelsea Clinton's 2014 documentary film "Of Many". Since 2010 Imam Latif has run a daily blog for the HuffPost Religion during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in 2011 winning the Brass Crescent Award. Among his many honors is being named the 2012 Christian Science Monitor's "30 under 30" list. In 2014, Imam Latif was honored with the NYU Alumni Distinguished Service Award for his continued work to help bridge gaps between different faith groups. Date: Friday, October 20, 2017 Time: 7:30 PM - 10 PM Location: ISGH River Oaks Islamic Center, 3110 Eastside St, Houston, Texas 77098   Click here for more information.          October 17, 2017  -  Digital Humanities of the Underground: The Palestinian Revolution Website   The Department of History and the Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair in Arab Studies at Rice University cordially invites you to the "Digital Humanities of the Underground: The Palestinian Revolution Website" with Dr. Abdel Razzaq Takriti with the University of Houston.   Date: October 17, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Farnsworth Pavilion, RMC/Ley Student Center, Rice University   Abdel Razzaq Takriti is Associate Professor and Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Arab History at the University of Houston. He is the author of the award-winning book Monsoon Revolution: Republicans, Sultans, and Empires in Oman, 1965-1976 (Oxford University Press, 2013) and co-author and cocurator of The Palestinian Revolution website learnpalestine.politics.ox.ac.uk (2017).   A small reception will follow.   Pay parking is available in the Central Campus Garage, as well as in the visitor lots near the football stadium.   Click here for event flyer.          October 17, 2017  -  Young Professionals - The Fascinating Similarities Between Islam and "Jewish Christianity"   Speaker: Mustafa Akyol, Senior Visiting Fellow at the Freedom Project at Wellesley College   The Islamic Jesus not only tells the story of Jesus, and his mother Mary, as narrated in the Qur'an, it also explores how this Islamic picture of the Nazarene resonates with pre-existing Christian sources, especially Apocrypha. In particular, it unveils the fascinating similarity between Islam and "Jewish Christianity," a strain in the early church that got branded as a heresy.   Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM Location: MidInMod, 2803 Westheimer, Houston, Texas   Mustafa Akyol is a turkish journalist and author. He studied political science and history at Bogazici University. Since early 2000's, he has been writing regular opinion columns for Turkish publications like Hurriyet Daily News, and recently for the Middle-East focused Al-Monitor.com. Since fall 2013, he is also a regular contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and Al-Monitor.com.   He has published six books in Turkish, including “Rethinking the Kurdish Question: What Went Wrong, What Next?” (2005). His 2011 book, “Islam Without Extremes: A Muslim Case for Liberty” an argument for Islamic liberalism, was published in the W.W. Norton. The book was long-listed for the Lionel Gelber Prize, a literary prize awarded by the University of Toronto for the best nonfiction book in English that seeks to deepen public debate on significant international issues, and praised by The Financial Times as “a forthright and elegant Muslim defense of freedom.” The book has been published also in Turkish, Malay and Indonesian.   Mr. Akyol is also a public speaker who has given hundreds of lectures and talks on numerous platforms, including TED, where he spoke on “Faith vs. Tradition in Islam.” He has also been a commentator on public affairs programs, including the BBC’s “Hardtalk” and CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS.” Since Jan 2017, Mr. Akyol is a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Freedom Project at Wellesley College, based in Massachusetts, USA.   Mustafa's book, The Islamic Jesus: How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of Muslims, will be available for purchase and signing at the event.   ***Light appetizers included.***    Organized by the World Affairs Council of Houston. To register or for more information, visit www.wachouston.org.          October 13, 2017  -  Lebanese Night   Join us for a “Lebanese Night” at Cafe Lili Lebanese Grill as we get together to enjoy a splendid evening of delicious food, wonderful music by the Lion of Babylon, and an amazing fine gold raffle prize from Almaza Jewelers!   Date: Friday, October 13, 2017 Location: Cafe Lili Lebanese Grill, 5757 Westheimer Rd. Suite 112, Houston   There are NO ADMISSION FEES and the menu will be à la carte. A portion of the profits between the hours of 7pm and 10pm will be used to support the American Lebanese Cultural Center (ALCC) mission and goals.   Click here for event flyer.          October 10, 2017  -  Knowing What to Trust - Fake News’ Global Role in Society and Political Campaigns Speaker: Ali Velshi, News Anchor & Business Correspondent, NBC News With the 24 hours news cycle, our ability to learn what is happening both in our communities or halfway across the world is easier than ever before. However, with increased access also comes the possibility for stories to be disseminated and shared much quicker than their accuracy can be verified. Social media has added to this dilemma through its focus on sensational headlines and eye-catching imagery to attract viewers’ attention. Recently, "fake news" has increasingly played a role in political decisions and business transactions as people look to be better informed and influence the competition’s perception of an issue. "Fake news" is not an issue specific to the United States, as Asian and European politicians have recently claimed that inaccurate information is aimed at destabilizing their countries and propping up interests from the opposition. How might news become more influential in our everyday lives? How is the "fake news" experience similar and different in varying parts of the world? Join the Council, Asia Society Texas and His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States for a discussion with journalist and MSNBC anchor Ali Velshi on this important and timely topic.   Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM Location: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX   Ali Velshi is an MSNBC anchor & business correspondent with NBC News and co-host of MSNBC's weekly business show "Velshi & Ruhle." He also spearheads MSNBC's fact-checking segment, "For Facts Sake.” Most recently, he hosted “Ali Velshi On Target,” a nightly prime-time show on Al Jazeera America. Velshi has reported from the U.S. Presidential campaign trail, as well as covering ISIL and the Syrian refugee crisis from Turkey, the days leading up to the nuclear deal from Tehran, the tensions between Russia and NATO from Eastern Europe and the High Arctic, the debt crisis in Greece, and the funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Velshi joined Al Jazeera America from CNN, where he was the channel’s Chief Business Correspondent, anchor of CNN International’s “World Business Today” and the host of CNN’s weekly business roundtable “Your Money.” Velshi also co-hosted CNN’s morning show, “American Morning.” Velshi has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and was honored with a National Headliner Award for Business & Consumer Reporting. He has appeared as a guest economics analyst on shows like “Oprah," “The View," and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”; and he is is the author of Gimme My Money Back and co-author of How to Speak Money. Born in Kenya and raised in Canada, Velshi graduated from Queen’s University in Canada.   Tickets must be purchased through the Asia Society website here. *Please note that $1.50 fee per ticket purchased is assessed on credit card transactions on the Asia Society website. WACH members can use the discount code "ALIVELSHI" at checkout to receive member pricing.   This event is jointly hosted by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston, Asia Society Texas and His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States.   To register or for more information, click here.             October 8, 2017  -  Syrian American Club Humanitarian Event for Harvey Victims     The Syrian American Club of Houston is hosting a get-together to collect monetary donations for the Houston Food Bank! All proceeds will be used to aid families and individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey.   Date: Sunday, October 8, 2017 Time: 1:00 to 5:00 PM Location: Al Sham Center, 5729 Winsome Lane, Houston, TX 77057   Please refer to the flyer below for additional details. We are looking forward to seeing you there!          Click here for event flyer.        October 8, 2017  -  Rebuilding Houston Building for the Next Generation:   Date: Sunday, October 8, 2017 Time: 6 pm Location: Sugarland Marriott Town Square, 16090 City Walk | Sugar Land, TX 77479   SPECIAL GUESTS:   Khizr Khan, Guest Speaker   Featuring Nasheed Artist Khalid Mehmood   CONTACT INFORMATION: Khalid Bakali | kbakali@irusa.org | (972) 424-4479   Islamic Relief USA is a community of humanitarians–staff, volunteers, affiliates, supporters, partners, donors–who have been working together for a better world for nearly 25 years. Click here for event flyer.                   October 7, 2017  -  Free Health Care Day by APPNA     APPNA is holding their FREE Health Care Day at ICNA Relief Refugees Empowerment Center.   Community Service Through Civic Engagement    Offering following exams - Free of cost * Blood Pressure * Blood Glucose * Cholestrol * Basic Check Up * Stroke Screening * Mental and Behaviorial Health Date: Saturday - October 7th, 2017 Time: 10:00 am thru 3:00 pm Venue: ICNA Relief Refugees Empowerment Center, 5645 Hillcroft Ave - Suite # 404 Houston, TX 77036   Walk-ins are welcome but based on the availability.   For appointments please email at Houston@ICNARelief.org.   Provided By: APPNA - Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America                     October 5, 2017  -  Free Health Talk Series: "Finding Calm after the Storm: Dealing with Disaster & Free Vaccines"   The National Arab American Medical Association (NAAMA) in partnership with the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) present "Health Talk Series" covering useful topics pertaining to our every day lives.   The Kick off Health Talk will take place at the ACC on October 5th, 2017. The talk this month will touch on key issues affecting us after natural disasters, a timely topic after the devastating impact of Harvey.    Date: Thursday, October 5, 2017 Time: 7pm - 8:30pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   FREE VACCINES WILL BE PROVIDED!  Flu and Tetanus by Harris County - Public Health Department (Limited supply - First come, first served)    Expert panelists providing insight as we all move forward. Topic include:   - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder   - Infectious diseases regarding flood water   - Safety concerns of damaged building recovery    Light Refreshments    FREE Event for the Community!         Click here for event flyer.        October 3, 2017  -  A Rage for Order: The Middle East in Turmoil, from Tahrir Square to ISIS   Speaker: Robert F. Worth, Former Chief of The New York Times Beirut Bureau   In 2011, a wave of revolution spread through the Middle East as protesters demanded an end to tyranny, corruption, and economic decay. From Egypt to Yemen, a generation of young Arabs insisted on a new ethos of common citizenship. Six years later, their utopian aspirations have taken on a darker cast as old divides reemerge and deepen. In one country after another, brutal terrorists and dictators have risen to the top.   What are the possible consequences of a Trump presidency in Syria? Are we going to see a striking shift in the diplomatic posture from the Obama administration? How much will actually change on the ground?   Date: Tuesday, October 03, 2017 Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM Location: United Way of Greater Houston, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX Price: Member Free; Non-Member $15; Non-Member (on-site) $20   Robert F. Worth is a highly respected American journalist. During his 14-year career as a New York Times correspondent, Worth lived in the Middle East from 2003-2006 to cover the Iraq war. He returned to serve as the paper's Beirut bureau chief from 2007-2011.   In 2011, Worth began reporting on the revolts in Egypt, Libya and Yemen. From 2014-2015, Worth was a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars where he pioneered a project entitled "The Arab Revolts and their Legacy." Today, Worth contributes to the New York Times Magazine and the New York Review of Books. Worth has a Ph.D. from Princeton University. Robert Worth's book A Rage for Order: The Middle East in Turmoil, from Tahrir Square to ISIS, will be available for purchase and signing after the program.   Organized by the World Affairs Council of Houston. To register or for more information, visit www.wachouston.org.             Collecting Donations for Hurricane Harvey Victims    Dear community and friends of the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) in Houston, our City, Houston, needs our help!    Our center is still collecting much needed donated items to distribute in collaboration with other Organizations to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Please drop off any of the listed items below ONLY. PLUS, we urgently need School Supplies & Uniforms to help kids who lost everything in the flood to go back to school. We will accept drop off items Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Saturday between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.   WE WILL NEED HELPING HANDS TO HELP COLLECT, SORT AND DISTRIBUTE THE ITEMS. Please call (832) 351-3366 or simply walk-in during the drop off period. We know to count on our friends Americans and Arab Americans' generosity to participate and join in this humanitarian effort to help our fellow Houstonians in need. As far as clothes, not needed for now.   We will continue the collection and drop off efforts until needed!     Click here for ACC Donation Items List    Arab American Cultural & Community Center 10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, TX 77099     September 24, 2017  -  Special TELETHON Live for Harvey Relief   A Special TELETHON LIVE will take place Sunday, September 24th from 12 Noon until 3 PM. Muslims all across the United States are joining together to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Many Muslim Leaders, Scholars, Celebrities will join for this Humanitarian Relief Effort. They will be taking calls live at 1-888-506-7865 on Sunday.   Click here for more details.         September 22, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Group Gathering   The ACC Ladies' Night Out Group At Bait Al-Arab (ACC)   Date: Friday, September 22nd Time: From 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Kick off Ladies Night   The ladies at Bait AlArab welcomes all community ladies to our kick off ladies night gathering for for Arabic Mothers Day celebration on Friday September 22nd at 6 pm at the ACC.   Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment • Learn about health insurance, open enrollment period ,how to apply, and if you qualify for help paying your insurance premiums, presented by Bashira Idelby (licensed insurance agent) • Come Share your experience with Hurricane Harvey. Optional bring one canned non perishable food, hygiene product (shampoo, toothpaste, etc ,..) to donate to Harvey victims. • Games,raffle Door prize Bazzar and much more. • Bring a home made dish to Share   Don't miss a night full of fun, education and entertainment. Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!   Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child.   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated. To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.         September 21, 2017  -  ICNA Disaster Relief Services   Please join us for a very important session on disaster relief services by Sr. Jane Aslam. She is the Director of Disaster Relief at ICNA and will be sharing a lot of useful information regarding all the different services and resources that are out there for the people impacted by Harvey. A representative from FEMA might be present as well, depending on their availability, to help understand the overall process and to answer any of your questions.   More specifically, the event will cover the following • Information sharing, Q&A, useful handouts • Register families for Disaster Case Management • Provide Application Assistance • Referrals to disaster related service providers Date: Thursday, September 21, 2017 Time: 7:30PM to 9PM Location: MAS Katy Islamic Center, 1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094           September 20, 2017  -  The Invention of Sectarianism in the Modern Middle East   As sectarian violence continues to plague the Middle East, its origins are not widely understood. At this event, Ussama Makdisi, Ph.D., Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair of Arab Studies at Rice University, offers a historical perspective on the development of Middle East sectarianism – delving into a complex, and now obscured, modern culture of coexistence in a region rich in religious diversity, but that today encompasses several war-torn countries including Syria, Iraq and Lebanon.   In particular, Makdisi disputes two narratives that have traditionally dominated the story of diversity in the Middle East. The first stresses a continuous history of either latent or actual sectarian strife between allegedly antagonistic religious communities; the second idealizes coexistence and communal harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims. He asserts that the century-long struggle to define the contours of modern society in the Middle East has been multifaceted and contradictory, and deserves a more nuanced understanding.   Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Location: James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University's Baker Institute – 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, Doré Commons   This event is sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for the Middle East. Follow @BakerInstitute on Twitter and join the conversation online with #BakerMiddleEast.   Featured Speaker: Ussama Makdisi, Ph.D., is a professor of history and the Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair of Arab Studies at Rice University. In 2012–2013, Makdisi was a resident fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study, Berlin. In April 2009, Makdisi was named a 2009 Carnegie Scholar as part of the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s effort to promote original scholarship regarding Muslim societies and communities, both in the United States and abroad. Makdisi is the author of “Faith Misplaced: the Broken Promise of U.S.-Arab Relations, 1820-2001”; “Artillery of Heaven: American Missionaries and the Failed Conversion of the Middle East”; and “The Culture of Sectarianism: Community, History, and Violence in Nineteenth-Century Ottoman Lebanon.” He is co-editor of “Memory and Violence in the Middle East and North Africa.” He has published widely on Ottoman and Arab history, as well as on U.S.-Arab relations and U.S. missionary work in the Middle East. Makdisi received his bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. from Princeton University.   Click here for more info and/or to RSVP.         September 2017  -  ACC Arabic School Resumes (Kids - Youth - Adults) Arabic classes at the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) will resume Saturday September 16th.   Come meet with the Teachers and register on Saturday September 9th.   Please follow us and like our Arabic School Facebook page (Dr. Amer Sabbagh ACC Arabic School Facebook) to check our School events & activities.   The Dr. Amer Sabbagh ACC Arabic School (for kids) operates on Saturdays and also on Sunday for those who cannot attend Saturday School. Classes are held from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. on either day.   The Arabic classes consist of a combination of language lessons, conversational time, support activities, and Arabic software reinforcement. We make it fun for kids to learn the language through Marketplace simulation, Arabic movies days, and other hands-on activities. Arabic Classes for Youth operates on Saturdays and also on Sunday for those who cannot attend Saturday School. Classes are held for 2 hours on either day. Arabic Classes for Adults operates on Saturdays. Classes are held for 1 hour and half. To learn more about the school and to register, please call 832.351.3366 or email us at school@acchouston.org.        September 17, 2017  -  Killings in Burma Silent Protest Silent Protest Planned at Post Oak and Westheimer at the Galleria to Save Rohingya Victims   Physicians, Caretakers of Greater Houston, Houston Office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, and Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) is urging Americans of all faiths and backgrounds to attend a "Silent Protest" for the brutal killings of ethnic-Rohingya Victims in Myanmar.   WHAT: Emergency Protest to Save Rohingya Victims   WHERE: Corner of Post Oak Blvd & Westheimer Street at the Galleria 2521 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056   WHEN: Sunday September 17, 2017 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm   CONTACT: CAIR-TX, Houston Office: (713) 838-2247, Mustafaa Carroll (832) 549-1042 or Shahid Hasnain MD (281) 673-6663, Shagufta Naqvi MD (281) 961-2982 BACKGROUND: On August 25, 2017, the Myanmar Military bombed 25 Rohingya villages reportedly using six gunship helicopters, navy ships and tanks as Rohingya families slept. Reports indicated that soldiers have been shooting at fleeing Rohingya civilians. The Myanmar government has refused to rein in its military, which has been working to empower anti-Muslim extremists in the Rakhine state of Myanmar. Reports indicate the army has been arming these extremist militias to further escalate an extremely dangerous situation. SEE: CNN: At least 30,000 Rohingya trapped in Myanmar mountains without food. Over 120,000 Rohingya have fled their ruined villages into Bangladesh, leaving behind hundreds of thousands of displaced families with no access to food or humanitarian relief. At present, the Myanmar government refuses to allow a UN investigative team into Myanmar to follow up on the many allegations of atrocities that took place in 2016. CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.           September 12, 2017  -  Women's Interfaith Eid Celebration and Dinner   An evening for women of all faith backgrounds to explore Islam and celebrate the contributions of Muslim women around the world and in Houston.   Presented by Houston Pink Iftar, the Women’s Interfaith Table of Houston, and the Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer.   * Opening remarks by Wafa Abdin, Vice President, Immigration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston * Traditional evening prayers by observant Muslim women * Conversation over dinner catered by Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill - tables of 10 with 2 Muslim women leaders and 8 guests Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Reynolds Hall at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston.   Free parking available in the Cathedral garage, 511 San Jacinto.   Tickets $40 per person, table for eight $320.00 -- available online and by mail. To purchase by check, remit payment to Rothko Chapel and note Pink Iftar on the memo line. Mail to: Pink Iftar, c/o Rothko Chapel, 1409 Sul Ross, Houston, Texas 77006, (713) 524-9839 Contact Suna Umari, (713) 416-2437, sunaumari@sbcglobal.net, with questions.        September 10, 2017  -  Arabic Poetry & Anecdotes with Dr. Moutassem Pacha   The Syrian American Club would like to invite you to Dr. Moutassem Pacha's Afternoon of Arabic Poetry and Anecdotes on Sunday, September 10 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm at Al-Sham Center. Date: Sunday, September 10, 2017 Time: 3:30 to 5:00 PM Location: At Al-Sham Center   If you are interested in attending, please send email to syrianamericanclub@yahoo.com.       September 10, 2017  -  Surviving Hurricane Harvey: How to Deal with Loss & Trauma   Click here for more details.       September 9, 2017  -  Community group to offer free medical clinic for hurricane victims   (HOUSTON, TEXAS, 9/8/17) -- On Saturday, September 9, a group of Houston-area medical professionals will offer a free hurricane relief medical clinic at the At-Tawhid Mosque.   WHAT: Free medical clinic for Hurricane Harvey victims WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Masjid At-Tawhid, 5514 Hirsch Road, Houston, TX 77026   “One of the many needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey’s aftermath is access to health care, especially those who lack insurance,” said Ashma Khanani-Moosa, organizer of the effort. “The clinic, which will be held in a fully-outfitted mobile medical coach, will provide non-emergency medical care to hurricane survivors who find it difficult or impossible to get care.”   The clinic will be staffed by volunteers and will serve patients lacking health insurance. The Rose, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing breast health care to all women regardless of their ability to pay, is providing the mobile medical coach. Ms. Khanani-Moosa and her husband, Dr. Abdul Moosa, have organized the staffing and logistics.   The organizers ask that patients bring identification and all medications to their visit.   CONTACT: Ashma Khanani-Moosa, 281-235-2529.      September 9, 2017  -  Free Citizenship Workshop Join us for a free session on citizenship. A service of the St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance. Date: Saturday, September 9, 2017 Time: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston Click here for more details.     September 9, 2017  -  Run 4 Palestine - Reach 4 Education Hosted by Reach Education Fund and MAS Katy Center-Masjid ArRahman Run 5k for Palestine with MAS Katy community at George Bush Park Bike Trail Houston, TX 77082 (parking lot by S Baker Cypress Rd coming from Westheimer Pkwy)   Registration @ https://run4palestine.com/ Questions? social@maskaty.org       September 8, 2017  -  Shifa Gala 2017 - Healing With Harmony   It's that time again! Join us for an exciting and inspiring night at the annual Shifa USA Gala. 2017 has been a great year for us in terms of achievements: We began operating our state of the art Women's Center, expanded medical and dental clinic operations, and developed a long-term sustainable vision. All this was made possible by your support over the years. Just as these services are so greatly needed, so is your continued support -- support in spirit, support in effort, and of course support in funds. Whether you just want to have a fun night out with friends and family, or are passionate about supporting a local and critical cause, please join us on this special night... sponsor a table today. Your contributions will not go unnoticed.   This year we have Jeffrey Iqbal, complemented by a talented array of musicians, who will bring the room to life with his invigorating and soothing voice blending American and Bollywood musical styles. See for yourself here https://www.youtube.com/user/JeffreyIqbal.   Date: Friday, September 8, 2017 Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Location: Omni Houston Hotel, 4 Riverway, Houston, TX 77056   Shifa USA is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. All contributions are Tax deductible.   To purchase/sponsor a table, please call (713) 364-3526 or email us at shifagala@gmail.com.   Tickets available online.        August 2017  -  SAC Arabic Language School 2017-2018 The Syrian American Club is delighted to resume its Arabic classes for this school year! The fall semester for Arabic School will begin on Saturday, August 26th. We have now opened registration for returning students. New student registration will take place on Saturday, August 12th at Al-Sham Center from 11:30 am to 1:00pm. Mrs. Hazami will be available for orientation and new student testing to ensure proper level placement of the new students.   For more information:  Flyer   Application If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at syrianamericanclub@yahoo.com. For specific language questions, please contact Mrs. Hazami Nabulsi at hazaminabulsi@gmail.com.        SAC Scholarship Program for 2017-2018 This is the 22nd year for the Syrian American Club Scholarship Program and qualified students in our community are invited to apply to the program for the 2017-2018 academic year.   Students who graduated from high school this year and plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. Students who are undergraduates in a four year college program may also apply if they are in their junior year or below.   A limited number of scholarships will be awarded to those with the highest qualifications and/or greatest need.   For more information: Program Description   Application Form             August 12, 2017  -  Ex-CIA Officer/Whistleblower John Kiriakou coming to Houston!   Ex-CIA officer turned whistleblower John Kiriakou will be in Houston to share his story in person. Plan on attending if you’re able to make it – you will not be disappointed! When: Saturday August 12th, 7:00 pm. Where: Dominican Sisters of Houston, 6501 Almeda Road, Houston, 77021 John Kiriakou became an anti-torture whistleblower and activist when he told ABC News in December 2007 that the CIA was torturing prisoners, that torture was official U.S. government policy, and that the policy was approved by the President. John was driven to ruin by the Justice Department because of these revelations. Immediately after John’s interview, the Justice Department initiated a years-long investigation, determined to find something–anything–to charge him with. This was his payback for blowing the whistle on the torture program. John eventually was charged with three counts of espionage, one count of violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act and one count of making a false statement as a result of the 2007 ABC News interview. Finally, in order to avoid the risk of spending 45 years in prison, John accepted a plea to violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act. All other charges were dropped. Even though he had no criminal intent, and there was no harm to the national security, accepting the plea resulted in a sentence of 30 months in prison. From 1990 until March 2004, first as an analyst, and later as a counterterrorism operations officer, John Kiriakou served in the Central Intelligence Agency. He became chief of counterterrorist operations in Pakistan following the September 11 attacks acting as a senior operations officer. His tour culminated in the March 2002 with the capture of Abu Zubaydah, al-Qa’ida’s third-ranking official. When he returned from Pakistan, John was named Executive Assistant to the CIA’s Deputy Director for Operations. In that capacity, John was the principal Iraq briefer for the Director of Central Intelligence. John then became senior investigator on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee after a brief time in the private sector, where he focused on international terrorism, piracy, and counternarcotics. Additionally, John served as senior intelligence advisor to the Committee’s chairman, Senator John Kerry. Following his service on the Hill, John became an intelligence and counterterrorism consultant and author.           August 6, 2017  -  PCRF-Houston Meet & Greet Party for Nabaa   PCRF-Houston Chapter hosting 9 year old girl for surgery in Medical Center.   The Palestine Children's Relief Fund in Houston is pleased to invite you to attend our meet and greet pizza party for Nabaa!   Join us Sunday, August 6th from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at the Canyon Gate at Brazos Clubhouse as we officially celebrate and welcome Nabaa to Houston!   With the sponsorship of PCRF, this adorable nine year-old girl traveled all the way from Palestine by herself to have a procedure performed by the surgeons of Memorial Hermann and Texas Orthopedic Hospital. Now's your chance to show her how much we care and how happy we are to have her here. Bring the kids to enjoy the playgrounds, basketball, and volleyball, then relax in the shaded courtyard and eat some pizza and ice cream with our guest of honor. We would love for you all to meet her!   This event will take place at the Canyon Gate at Brazos Clubhouse located at the intersection of Canyon Chase Drive and Brazos Gate Drive in Richmond, TX.   THIS EVENT IS FREE, BUT SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE SAVE YOUR SPOT BY REGISTERING HERE. What: MEET AND GREET PIZZA PARTY Where: CANYON GATE AT BRAZOS CLUBHOUSE When AUGUST, 6th 12:00pm - 3:00pm Cost; FREE (space is limited, please register using link provided above)          July 3-August 10, 2017  -  Summer of Hope The new Summer of Hope (SoH) program provides free English language and life skills training to the Syrian refugee children living in Houston.     For more information, click here.          July 27, 2017  -  Summer of Hope Informational Meeting Let's send out a message, loud and clear, to our Houston Syrian Refugee children. We are glad they made it safely to our shore, and they can count on us for support. Let's say "Hamdulilah Alsalama" and thank God for your safety by offering them the gift of the Summer of Hope in its entirety.   Join us in this very important and enlightening discussion as we share some of the wonderful achievements and hopes. Be a part of that change here in Houston, and come join us at the Syrian American Club (5729 Winsome Ln., Houston, TX 77057) for an informational meeting on Thursday, July 27 from 7 to 8 pm.           July 22-30, 2017  -  Palestinian/Arab Summer School 2017: Political Education and Transnational Movement Building   The Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) Calls on all Palestinian/Arab Youth to apply to participate in the 2nd Palestinian/Arab Summer School 2017: Political Education and Transnational Movement Building.   The Summer School will be held from July 22th to July 30th, 2017 in Houston, Texas and is also part of PYM USA’s National General Assembly, which will be held the last day of the school. This summer school will offer a deep and engaging program to critically engage the various issues concerning young Palestinians and Arabs in the U.S through exploring questions of politics, social issues, and mobilizations. Additionally, the school will allow us to explore theoretical, methodological and practice-based approaches to transformative change within the context of the US, Palestine and the Arab region more broadly.    The week-long summer school program will bring together 55-65 youth over the age of 18 for intensive political education and movement building, culminating in the National General Assembly (NGA) for PYM. Through a diverse curriculum of lectures, seminars, peer-led workshops and discussions, cultural performances, and meetings with other youth and community groups, the PYM summer school aims to strengthen the cultural and historical knowledge, leadership skills and capabilities of young Palestinian and Arab youth in the U.S. so that they can be protagonists of social change in their families, schools, communities and home struggles. The summer school will focus on building both a strong theoretical foundation among participants through culture, history and political theory education, as well as practical skills for strengthening organizational capacity, practice, and skills.   For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/728398730662225/.         July 15-27, 2017  -  Know Your Homeland Camp2 Join the Palestinian American Council in Palestine this Summer! July 15, 2017 - July 27, 2017   Ages: Above 15 years old (unless accompanied with a parent) Cost: Pay only your ticket    For more information and/or to register, visit www.pac-usa.org.           July 24, 2017  -  Israel / Palestine Presentation: Two Houston Quakers Visit Israel / Palestine   Ever wonder how the $10 million we give to Israel every day is used? Can there ever be peace in Israel / Palestine? What should America's role be there?   Two Quakers have recently returned from an interfaith delegation to Palestine and Israel. They will share photos and stories from their experiences after staying with families, meeting with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists and non-governmental organizations and experiencing life on both sides of the separation barrier.   Date: Monday, July 24, 2017 Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Venue: Live Oak Friends Meeting, 1318 West 26th St., Houston, Texas, 77008 No charge Come and join us, experience life today in the area and learn about the struggles and hopes for the region. For questions, call Alex @ 832-463-1128.          May 11-July 15, 2017  -  REFUGEE Exhibition   Hosted by FotoFest International   Date: Thursday, May 11, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 8 PM Location: FotoFest International, 2000 Edwards St, Houston, Texas 77007   FotoFest presents an important exhibition addressing the global refugee crisis.   FotoFest presents The Annenberg Space for Photography’s REFUGEE, May 11 – July 15, 2017 at Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007. It is the first presentation of the exhibition in the Southwest, and coincides with World Refugee Day, Tuesday, June 20, 2017.   FotoFest galleries are free and open to the public Wednesday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm, through July 15, 2017.   REFUGEE reflects the humanity at the heart of the crisis. Every day, tens of thousands of people across the globe flee their homes, uprooting their lives, to escape violence or persecution. It is most often a final act of desperation.   The numbers are staggering. One in every 122 people on Earth is a refugee. Globally, the total forcibly displaced from their home exceeds 65 million – the highest number ever recorded. Over half are children. It is a crisis that cannot be ignored.   Featuring five internationally acclaimed photographers especially commissioned to document the full range of the refugee experience:   Lynsey Addario Omar Victor Diop Graciela Iturbide Martin Schoeller Tom Stoddart   The photographers were supported by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.   REFUGEE is curated by: Patricia Lanza, Director of Talent & Content, The Annenberg Space for Photography and Elisabeth Biondi, former Visual Editor of the New Yorker   The Exhibition is toured by Prodigy Exhibitions, Los Angeles, California       For more information, visit http://home.fotofest.org/.   July 6-9, 2017  -  Annual Ramallah Convention    This year, the Ramallah Social Club of Houston will be hosting the Annual Ramallah Convention.   Date: July 6, 2017 to July 9, 2017 Location: Houston Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark Drive , Houston, TX 77042     We plan on having multiple events throughout the weekend for all ages, from kids/adult activities during the day, to banquets/parties at night!    For more information, visit http://ramallahclubhouston.com/afrp-2017/.        July 1, 2017  -  Eid-ul-Fitr Carnival   Mark your calendars for Eid Carnival on Saturday, July 1st. Fun rides, fireworks, delicious food from around the world, bazaar vendors and lots of fun for kids and family. Tell your neighbors and friends and join us for the carnival.   Date: Saturday, July 1, 2017 Time: 5 PM - 10 PM Location: MAS Katy Center-Masjid ArRahman, 1800 Baker Rd, Houston, Texas 77094    Please see the Facebook invite for this event.   Click here for event flyer.         June 27, 2017  -  "A Christian Palestinian Scientist from Bethlehem Talks About Conflict Resolution"   Presentation at Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church by Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh   Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Time: 7-9 pm Location: Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, 17500 El Camino Real, Houston 77058    After graduating from the University of Jordan, Qumsiyeh received his master's degree in evolutionary biology from the University of Connecticut and his Ph.D. in zoology/genetics from Texas Tech University. He completed a clinical cytogenetics fellowship at the University of Tennessee and clinical molecular genetics fellowship at Duke University. Following a prestigious career in cytogenetics in the US, Qumsiyeh returned to Palestine where he has been on the faculty at Bethlehem University and Birzeit University. In 2014, he founded the Palestine Museum of Natural History and Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University. He continues at PMNH as its director.   Free and open to the public.             June 26, 2017  -  Conservation and Sustainability in the Holy Land   Houston Museum of Natural Science Distinguished Lecture “Conservation and Sustainability in the Holy Land” Mazin Qumsiyeh, Ph.D., Bethlehem University Monday, June 26, 6:30 p.m.   At the intersection of continents with high biodiversity in both flora and fauna, the Holy Land is part of the Fertile Crescent where humans first developed agriculture.   Medical geneticist Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh studies the factors leading to the richness of high diversity of humans and other living beings in the Holy Land. This evening he will discuss this unique natural history along with the challenges and obstacles to sustainability in a changing world.   After graduating from the University of Jordan, Qumsiyeh received his master's degree in evolutionary biology from the University of Connecticut and his Ph.D. in zoology/genetics from Texas Tech University. He completed a clinical cytogenetics fellowship at the University of Tennessee and clinical molecular genetics fellowship at Duke University. Following a prestigious career in cytogenetics in the US, Qumsiyeh returned to Palestine where he has been on the faculty at Bethlehem University and Birzeit University. In 2014, he founded the Palestine Museum of Natural History and Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University. He continues at PMNH as its director.   HMNS Members $12, Tickets $18. Click here or call 713.639.4629.            June 24, 2017  -  ACT NOW! - A Refugee Forum Saturday, June 24, 2017, 2pm FotoFest at Silver Street Studios   Come learn about Houston area refugees organizations and the Houstonians at the forefront of refugee services. Representatives of various refugee-serving organizations in Houston will come speak about their work, the needs of Houston’s refugees, and how we as citizens can help.   Participating organizations include Refugee Council USA, The City of Houston’s Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities, Interfaith Ministries, Refguee Services of Texas, and Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR).   For more information, visit http://home.fotofest.org/.         June 23, 2017  -  The International Day of Quds   Date: Friday, June 23, 2017 Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location: Westheimer Rd & Post Oak Blvd, Houston, Texas 77099   A Call for Solidarity with Palestine and the World's Oppressed   Confirmed Speakers:    1. Abbas Hamideh - Co Founder of Al Awda    2. Rabbi Joseph Kohn    3. Rabbi Mendel Hus   The International Day of Solidarity with Palestine comes at a time of intensified aggression by occupation forces and violence in the region. As conditions on the ground continue to deteriorate globally, the situation is amongst the worst facing Palestinians since 1948. As a principle, solidarity with the world's oppressed provides a guiding light of how to navigate in an increasingly hostile, complex and violent world. Every day in the corporate media - from Palestine to Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Burma, Ferguson and beyond, we are bombarded with images of mass violence and those spewing hate against poor people and people of color. Let us create an alternative, inclusive vision that is in solidarity with indigenous peoples and sovereignty rights globally, that challenges settler colonial practices, and violations of civil rights and military occupation and militarization, including the criminalization, mass incarceration and all forms of oppression and terrorism. To remain silent in the face of injustice and violence that any and all people are subjected to, is to side with the oppressor. Come join us and stand against injustice, oppression, terrorism, Islamophobia, racism and hate.   For more information, click here.         June 22, 2017  -  Summer ESL for Syrian Refugee Children   Date: Thursday, June 22, 2017 Time: Presentation begins at 7pm and is followed by Iftar Location: Syrian American Club of Houston, 5729 Winsome Ln, Houston TX, 77057   Missid Ghanem, Psy.D., Psychologist, WWMH President Carolyn Harrison, M.Ed., LPC, WWMH Board Director Mays Kseibi, M.Ed., SOH Principal   Please join us in discussing the plight of refugee families living, here, in the Houston area. This summer, the World Wide Mental Health (a non-profit organization) is dedicated to teaching and immersing hundreds of refugee children with the English language. This FREE program will provide a much-needed jumpstart in preparation for the children’s following school year. WWMH wishes to present on the Summer of Hope for Syrian Refugee children in Houston and on its findings on their psychological and educational needs; recommendations and solutions will also be discussed in detail. Together, we CAN do SO MUCH for these/our children (& their families).   There will be Q&A at end of presentation and everyone is invited to Iftar afterwards.          June 22, 2017  -  Abbas Hamideh Talk in Houston   Abbas Hamideh, co-founder of Al-Awda, will be speaking in Houston the day before "The International Day of Quds"   Date: Thursday, June 22, 2017 Time: 9:30PM Location: Islamic Education Center (IEC), 2313 South Voss Road, Houston, Texas 77057   Abbas will lead "The International Day of Quds" Rally on Friday, June 23 (see below).   For more information, click here.         Ends June 21: Share a Gift with Refugees Families & Kids   On the occasion of the upcoming Eid Holiday, the Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) in Houston is launching a Gift Drive to benefit fellow refugee families and their kids.    We kindly ask you to donate new items only: - Toys and Games (for boys & girls) - Household Items such as TVs - Irons - Iron Boards - Blenders - Food Processors - Cooking Pots - Dinner Plates Sets - Glass Cups Sets - Silverware Sets, Vacuum, Bath mats, Bedsheets, etc.).   Please bring your unwrapped gifts in gift bags to facilitate the sorting and distribution according to age, gender and needs.   We do appreciate your kind and generous donations in bringing joy to families in need. The sorting is going to take place Thursday and Friday June 22 and 23, and helping hands will be greatly appreciated.   Please email us at nervin@acchouston.org if you want to volunteer.   Deadline: Please make sure to drop off your gifts at the latest by Wednesday June 21st, 2017 to give us enough time to distribute them on Eid Day.   Drop off location: 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston TX 77099 Days & Timing: Monday - Friday (9:30am - 4:30pm)    For more information, visit www.acchouston.org.          Ends June 19: SAC 2017 Eid Toy Drive   It's that wonderful time of the year again when we all get together and honor the Eid spirit. The Syrian American Club's Refugee Services Committee, is setting up a toy drive to benefit Syrian children in need of our attention.   The smallest gift can mean the world to a child. As you celebrate with your family, take a moment to let these children know they are loved. We hope you will share the joy this Eid and open your hearts.   As usual, our goal is to include kids of all ages. Babies to teens. Gift cards for the older children are highly encouraged (a uniform amount of $20 from Target or Walmart would be ideal).   Please drop off your NEW, UNWRAPPED gift and Gift Cards at:   Al-Sham Center 5729 Winsome Lane Houston, TX 77057   Items may be dropped off every Saturday, now through June 19, 2017 Collection Times: 10:30am - 3:00pm              June/July, 2017  -  Summer Arabic Courses for Kids & Adults     Arabic Summer Camp for Kids Give your child an opportunity to immerse in the Arab culture through this Arabic language and cultural experience camp   Session 1: June 12th to June 16th- Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   Session 2: June 19th to June 23rd- Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston For more information & Registration, Click Here.   Yalla Ndardesh! Arabic Conversational Summer Classes - For Adults   These classes are designed for adult students and meet every Saturday from June 3rd to July 22nd   We offer three types of Conversational classes:   Yalla Ndardesh: Level 1 This class offers students who completed basic introductory to Arabic (Levels beginner 1 and/or 2) a chance to practice basic conversations related to daily life topics along with an introduction to the Arab culture. Timing: June 3rd - July 22nd Saturdays: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM   Yalla Ndardesh: Level 2 This class offers students who completed upper intermediate or advanced levels a chance to practice advanced and more structured conversations related to daily life and other related topics (such as; daily life situations, careers, cultural events and occasions, Tourism, etc., in an environment of team work and group discussions and field visits to Arab shops or cafes. Timing; June 3rd - July 22nd Saturdays: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM   Introductory to Business Arabic This class offers students a basic introductory to business vocabulary, basic cultural, touristic, and business conversations, and an introductory to the Arabic culture and traditions. Students will learn how to introduce themselves, partners, and businesses, in addition to forming cultural ice-breaking statements in Arabic. This class is suitable for those working at an Arab Multinational in town or those expats ready for an overseas assigned to an Arab country. Timing: June 3rd - July 22nd Saturdays: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM    Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston    For more information & Registration, Click Here.   For any questions, please email school@acchouston.org or call 832-351-3366.           June 18, 2017  -  Fundraising Iftar for Syria Hosted by Islamic Relief USA   Date: Sunday, June 18, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Tempura Marquee Event Center, 11040 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074-1010   Dinner Provided   Speaker: Fahad Tasleem, Fundraiser   Contact Information: Khalid Bakali | kbakali@irusa.org | (972) 424-4479   For more information, click here.         June 17, 2017  -  World Refugee Day Houston   Date: Saturday, June 17, 2017 Time: 4 PM - 7 PM Location: Levy Park Conservancy, 3801 Eastside, Houston, Texas 77098   The Houston Refugee Consortium will celebrate refugees’ courage and contributions at the World Refugee Day Houston event on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Levy Park Conservancy from 4:00-7:00pm.   The event will feature musicians, dancers, a resource/artisan fair, and Houstonians will have the opportunity to taste food from refugee and immigrant owned restaurants.   Bring the whole family to this fun, free, and educational event!   World Refugee Day Houston MISSION: 1. RAISE AWARENESS: World Refugee Day introduces the general public to the many contributions refugees make in Houston 2. HONOR REFUGEES: World Refugee Day honors the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who were forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives 3. SHOW GRATTITUDE: World Refugee Day thanks the many Houstonians who have welcomed refugees with open arms for than 40 years.   For more information, click here.         June 16, 2017  -  Ramadan Nights (ليالي رمضان) at the Arab American Center   A Family Event   Ramadan is observed by a large segment of Arabs (and non Arabs) around the Globe as a month-long of fasting from sunrise to sunset and also as a month of giving, self reflection, and self control.   Join us for two nights of immersion into Ramadan traditions and cultural rituals from the Arab World. Bring your Non Arab Friends for a night of cross cultural discovery experience.   June 2nd: will be highlighting Ramadan traditions from the Gulf countries and the Levant Regions   June 16th: will be highlighting Ramadan traditions from the Nile and Maghreb Regions   Check-in: 7:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet Opens at Sunset at the time of breaking the fast     • Visit a makeshift traditonal arabian decor corner   • Learn about Ramadan festivities from several Arab countries   • Taste the Delicious traditional dishes and dessert from the respective Arab regions   • Enjoy the Ramadan evening program   Kindly note that all tickets need to be booked online and purchased ahead of time prior to the event. Due to food pre-ordering and limited seating, we cannot accommodate ANY tickets sales at the door, no exceptions. We thank you for your understanding.   Places are limited to 200 seats including children, therefore register early to guarantee a spot. Ticket sales will close by Saturday May 27th by Midnight. TICKETS   EARLY BIRD: UNTIL WEDNESDAY MAY 24th   • Regular Tickets: Adults and Kids 12 years and above: $12   • Children Tikets: Kids under 12 years old: $5   LATE REGISTRATION: AFTER MAY 24th   • Regular Tickets: Adults and Kids 12 years and above: $15   • Children Tikets: Kids under 12 years old: $8   Children under 2 years old are free Children with tickets will be seated with their parents at the table. There will be no babysitting Tickets are non refundable.   Optional: Bring a toy, game, or kitchen item with you to donate to refugees families in town. We will be collecting the donated toys and distribute them before the end of Ramadan. We kindly ask for NEW items only. Please do not wrap up the items as we will be sorting them to assign to families according to age and gender.   We Look Forward to Seeing You! To RSVP and purchase your Tickets, click here. Arab American Cultural & Community Center 10555 Stancliff rd. Houston TX 77099 www.acchouston.org         June 15, 2017  -  PCRF Houston ‎Iftar Dinner at Fadi's    The Palestine Children's Relief Fund in Houston would like to welcome everyone to a special iftar dinner at Fadi's Mediterranean Grill in Sugar Land (716 Highway 6) on Thursday, June 15th beginning at 7pm.   Come learn more about our sponsored child, Nabaa, and her treatment this summer in Houston. Hear from the doctors involved with her care and learn about ways you can help Nabaa during her stay in Texas. We have a lot of special things planned and we would love for you to be a part of them!   In addition, proceeds of this event will benefit PCRF's Gaza Orphan Project. For more information, please visit http://pcrf.net/orphan-sponsorship.html.   SPACE IS LIMITED AND TICKETS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE ONLINE, so it is very important for you to reserve your spot early! Go to www.pcrf.net/houston.html for ticket information.            June 15, 2017  -  MIC Annual Interfaith Iftar Hosted by Maryam Islamic Center   Date: Thursday, June 15, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Maryam Islamic Center, 504 Sartartia Rd, Sugar Land, Texas 77479   Our dear friends of diverse faiths, please join us at Maryam Islamic Center for our annual INTERFAITH Iftar for Ramadan. We kindly request all Muslims in attendance to bring a guest of different religions to join this beautiful evening of love, diversity, and unity. We will have speakers from the Muslim faith as well as diverse faiths who will talk about the objective of fasting in their respective faiths. You will also get to learn more about Maryam Islamic center! Please make sure you register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maryam-islamic-centers-annual-interfaith-iftar-tickets-34896949716.          June 10, 2017  -  Fundraising Iftar for Children in Need   Organized by: Islamic Relief USA, Houston, TX   Date: Saturday, June 10, 2017 Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Salateen Restaurant, 622 Fm 1959 Rd, Houston, Texas 77034         Dinner Provided Free Admission   Speaker: Fahad Tasleem, Fundraiser   Contact Information Khalid Bakali | kbakali@irusa.org | (972) 424-4479   For more information, click here.          June 9, 2017  -  ISGH Interfaith Iftar 2017 Join the ISGH Interfaith Team for a meal that transcends any generational, ethnic or religious differences. Iftar or “breaking the fast” is an important holy act for Muslims during the sacred month of Ramadan. Listen to people of diverse faiths speak on their unique spiritual experience, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate our united interfaith community with a festive meal. This event is open to guests of other faiths and designed to give a glimpse into Islam, Ramadan, and the practice of fasting. We hope to transform our community through the power of relationships and shared experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity for friendly discussion over dinner.   Date: Friday, June 9, 2017 Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Location: Tempura Halal Restaurant, 10640 FM-1960 W, Houston, Texas 77070   BREAK Bread | BREAK Down Stereotypes | BREAK Fast #Indivisible #BreakBread #Interfaith #Ramadan REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: To register for this limited seating event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isgh-interfaith-iftaar-2017-tickets-34110298822 Although this is a free event, registration is required.          June 8, 2017  -  Fountains of Hope A benefit dinner for the construction of water wells in some of the most impoverished areas around the world by Helping Hand for Relief and Development. Every 90 seconds, a child dies from a water related illness. This Ramadan, join keynote speakers Shaykh Yaser Birjas (AlMaghrib Institute) and Dr. Altaf Husain (Vice President of ISNA), give THE BEST CHARITY! Give water and quench the thirst of people in Somalia, Pakistan, Uganda, Tanzania, Afghanistan, and Kenya.   This event gives you an opportunity to give a continuous water charity through investing in water wells during the month of Ramadan!   Date: Thu, June 8, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Location: Marquee Event Center, 11040 Southwest Freeway, suite 105 B, Houston, 77074   For more information, click here.        Community Needs Survey Feedback by ACC   The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) in Houston is conducting a community-wide short survey to obtain YOUR opinion, our community and constituents, Arabs and friends of Arabs, about social service needs and cultural programs YOU want to see offered at your ACC Center. The survey can be accessed through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KTHPZZ2   Our goal is for our center to align its services and programs with the community needs and interests in order to better serve you.   We kindly request you take about 8 minutes (max) of your time to complete this survey and help us build better and more responsive community resources for the future. We are not collecting any names so you can rest assured that your responses will remain anonymous.   Please share this Survey with your network of friends and family. We will share the results statistics with you all once the survey closes.   Thank you in advance! Your feedback is important to us!   For more information, visit www.acchouston.org.         June 4, 2017  -  Rays of Change 2017 Amaanah's annual benefit dinner for resettled refugees in Houston.   Date: Sunday, June 4, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM - 9 PM Location: Hilton Americas-Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, Texas 77010   Hosted by Amaanah Refugee Services.   For more information, click here.        June 3, 2017  -  Fourth Ramadan Community Dinner   Hosted by Muslim community in Southeast Houston   Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Clear Lake Park, 5001 NASA Parkway, Seabrook, Texas 77586   The Muslim Community in Southeast Houston is absolutely delighted to announce our Fourth Annual Ramadan Community Dinner on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Clear Lake Park Community Center.   Ramadan is a time of reflection, fasting, and celebrating with family and friends. Please join us for a special evening of keynote speakers, conversation, and delicious dinner!   *Please RSVP by acquiring a free event ticket to help us make proper arrangements. *Concerned about the dress code? Please don't be, business casual will do! *Any dietary restrictions or requests? Please e-mail the event organizer. *Security should be provided by an off-duty JSO officer.   Guest Speakers: Kim Ogg, district attorney of Harris County, Texas   Dorothy Gibbons,Co-Founder & CEO of The Rose in Houston, TX. She is also an author, motivator, fundraiser, speaker and force of nature!   Imam Dr. Wazir Ali, Imam of the historic Masjid Warithud-Deen Mohammed and Masjid Al-Qur’an in Houston, Texas. Imam Ali holds a Doctorate degree in clinical nutrition from Rutgers University, a Master of Science degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas Pan American, and Bachelor of Science degrees in nutrition and psychology from the University of Houston. Shaykh Waleed Basyouni, PhD. He is the Imam of Clear Lake Islamic Center and the Vice President of AlMaghrib Institute. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Islamic Sciences from Al-Imam Muhammad University, KSA; did his Masters in Islamic Theology, World Religions and Modern Religious Sects from Al-Imam Muhammad University; and acquired a Doctorate in Theology Dr. Craig Considine (PhD – Trinity College Dublin), Catholic American of Irish and Italian descent. He was born and bred in Needham, Massachusetts and has studied in Washington, DC, London and Dublin. His passion is peace-making. As a sociologist he focuses on many topics including religious pluralism, Islam, Muslims in America, Christian- Muslim relations, interfaith studies, race and ethnic relations, American identity, Irish identity, comparative research and ethnography. He’s currently turning his doctoral dissertation into a book manuscript to be published by Routledge – Taylor and Francis Group. His latest peer- reviewed article is titled Religious Pluralism and Civic Rights in a “Muslim Nation”: An Analysis of Prophet Muhammad’s Covenants with Christians. He is currently teaching in the Department of Sociology at Rice University in Houston, Texas.       For more information, click here.         June 3, 2017  -  A SYMPOSIUM ON REFUGEES: Image, Media and Policy   FOTOFEST INTERNATIONAL and the MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON present A SYMPOSIUM ON REFUGEES: Image, Media and Policy    Date: Saturday, June 3, 2017 Time: 2-5pm Location: Brown Auditorium at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet, 77005   This program is FREE. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.   Presented in conjunction with The Annenberg Space for Photography's REFUGEE exhibition at FotoFest International, and Homelands and Histories: Photographs by Fazal Sheikh at MFAH.   PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: - David Levi Strauss, Scholar, Writer, Critic (New York) - Patricia Lanza, Photographer; Director of Talent and Content, Annenberg Space for Photography; Co-curator of the REFUGEE exhibition (Los Angeles) - Dr. Rima Abunasser, Scholar, Middle East, Women and Gender Studies, Texas Christian University (Dallas) - Hon. Annise Parker, Former Mayor of the City of Houston - Daniel Stoecker, CEO, Alliance for Multicultural Community Services; President, United Nations Association-Houston - Mustafa Faiz, Former refugee and local business owner (Houston) - Issa Touma, Artist and Film Maker (Syria)   According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, the number of displaced people has reached 65.3 million globally.   This symposium, presented by FotoFest and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) addresses the daily struggles refugees face around the world.   The afternoon symposium features two panel discussions. The first looks at how refugees are portrayed in the media and the various ways images can be used—from sparking policy change to fueling fear. The second discussion focuses on national and local policies concerning refugees today and in the near future.       For more information, visit http://home.fotofest.org/.         June  2, 2017  -  Ramadan Nights (ليالي رمضان) at the Arab American Center   A Family Event   Ramadan is observed by a large segment of Arabs (and non Arabs) around the Globe as a month-long of fasting from sunrise to sunset and also as a month of giving, self reflection, and self control.   Join us for two nights of immersion into Ramadan traditions and cultural rituals from the Arab World. Bring your Non Arab Friends for a night of cross cultural discovery experience.   June 2nd: will be highlighting Ramadan traditions from the Gulf countries and the Levant Regions   June 16th: will be highlighting Ramadan traditions from the Nile and Maghreb Regions   Check-in: 7:00 p.m. Dinner Buffet Opens at Sunset at the time of breaking the fast     • Visit a makeshift traditonal arabian decor corner   • Learn about Ramadan festivities from several Arab countries   • Taste the Delicious traditional dishes and dessert from the respective Arab regions   • Enjoy the Ramadan evening program   Kindly note that all tickets need to be booked online and purchased ahead of time prior to the event. Due to food pre-ordering and limited seating, we cannot accommodate ANY tickets sales at the door, no exceptions. We thank you for your understanding.   Places are limited to 200 seats including children, therefore register early to guarantee a spot. Ticket sales will close by Saturday May 27th by Midnight. TICKETS   EARLY BIRD: UNTIL WEDNESDAY MAY 24th   • Regular Tickets: Adults and Kids 12 years and above: $12   • Children Tikets: Kids under 12 years old: $5   LATE REGISTRATION: AFTER MAY 24th   • Regular Tickets: Adults and Kids 12 years and above: $15   • Children Tikets: Kids under 12 years old: $8   Children under 2 years old are free Children with tickets will be seated with their parents at the table. There will be no babysitting Tickets are non refundable.   Optional: Bring a toy, game, or kitchen item with you to donate to refugees families in town. We will be collecting the donated toys and distribute them before the end of Ramadan. We kindly ask for NEW items only. Please do not wrap up the items as we will be sorting them to assign to families according to age and gender.   We Look Forward to Seeing You! To RSVP and purchase your Tickets, click here. Arab American Cultural & Community Center 10555 Stancliff rd. Houston TX 77099 www.acchouston.org         June 2, 2017  -  CAIR-Houston Annual Fundraising iftar   Date: Friday, June 2, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Energy Corridor, 11730 Katy Fwy, Houston 77079 You are invited to join us at our annual fundraising iftar on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 11730 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. This is an especially challenging time in our country. Your support enables CAIR-Houston to assist community members affected by these anti-Muslim bias incidents and to advocate for justice. RSVP to rnasrullah@cair.com by Wednesday, May 31, 2017. Please contact our office at (713) 838-2247 should you have any questions. If you are unable to attend our event, please make your tax-deductible, zakat-eligible donation as directed on our website at http://cairtexas.com/donate/.       June 2, 2017  -  A Hunger for Education- an Iftar Benefiting the Children of Syria Date: Friday, June 2, 2017 Time: 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Location: Tempura Banquet Hall. 10640 Cypress Creek, Houston, Texas 77070   Join Shaam Relief for a fundraising iftar this Ramadan in Houston, TX to support efforts to provide Syrian children with quality education. Admission is free and includes iftar and dinner. Please reserve your seat here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-hunger-for-education-an-iftar-benefiting-the-children-of-syria-tickets-34089880751   We look forward to seeing you and your family there! How can I contact the organizer with any questions? Please email info@shaamrelief.org, or call 855-997-4226.        For more information, click here.         May 28, 2017  -  Houston Annual Ramadan lftar with Mayor Turner   Date: Sunday, May 28, 2017 Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Location: Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045   6:00PM - Seating 6:45 PM - Program 8:19 PM - Iftar and Prayer 8:30 PM - Dinner   Registration is a MUST.   For more information and/or to register, visit http://houstoniftar.org/.         May 25, 2017  -  Houston Stands with Palestinian Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike    Date: Thursday, May 25, 2017 Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Israeli Consulate, 24 Greenway Plaza #1500, Houston, TX 77046   Houston Stands in Solidarity with Palestinian Political Prisoners on Hunger Strike in Israel.   On Thursday May 25, university students, human rights advocates, and concerned members of the Houston community will undertake a symbolic hunger strike and peaceful protest in solidarity with more than 1500 Palestinian political prisoners that have been on hunger strike, abstaining from food and drinks, since April 17, 2017.   Drawing attention to the plight of Palestinian prisoners and their open-ended “Strike for Dignity and Freedom”, we will assemble in front of the Consulate General of Israel in Houston. Participants will contribute to the global #SaltWaterChallenge that has been launched in support of the demands of the Palestinian political prisoners. A variety of creative performances will take place, and prominent members of the Houston academic, cultural, and human rights community will address the peaceful assembly.   Palestinian prisoners are demanding an immediate end to medical negligence, solitary confinement, and administrative detention, a common practice by Israeli authorities where a prisoner is detained for periods up to six months — renewed indefinitely — without a trial or charge. They are also asking for longer and more frequent family visits, opportunities for secondary and higher education, and better access to medical care and services. Currently, these basic needs are denied to the 6500 Palestinian political prisoners incarcerated by the Israeli authorities.   Since the launch of the hunger strike in Palestine, the Israeli Prison Service has isolated the prisoner leaders into solitary confinement, confiscated clothes and personal belongings, and moved other strikers around the prisons to limit communication. Israel has received wide scale international condemnation for its policies towards the prisoners and the Palestinian people as a whole, but it nevertheless continues to violate the will of the international community.   Through this action, we insist that Israel immediately meet the demands of the Palestinian prisoners. We also express our support for the Palestinian people and its just quest for liberation, return, equality, and self-determination. Finally, we demand that Israel end its policies of apartheid, colonization, military occupation, displacement, dispossession, and mass incarceration.    Hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Houston.         May 25, 2017  -  Feminist Perspectives of the Divine in Islam Feminist Perspectives of the Divine in Islam A conversation with Asma Uddin   How does a Muslim woman's perspective of the Divine shape a person's faith and commitment to religious liberty and social equity? Asma Uddin is at the forefront of this conversation, creating the space for women to make their faith their own. Uddin is the Director of Strategy for the Center for Islam and Religious Freedom. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Almuslimaath (altmuslimah.com), a highly praised web magazine dedicated to issues on gender and Islam. Uddin speaks and publishes widely on issues of national and international religious freedom, as well as gender and faith. Her work has been published by numerous law reviews and prominent university presses. She guest-edited a special issue of The Review of Faith & International Affairs and is co-editing a forthcoming book of essays by women who have faced religious persecution. She also serves on the Advisory Council for The Institute for Global Engagement's Center for Women, Faith and Leadership. A reception follows the program.    Date: Thursday, May 25, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 9 PM Location: Rothko Chapel, 3900 Yupon St, Houston, Texas 77006   Hosted by Rothko Chapel.   For more info, visit http://www.rothkochapel.org/.         May 20, 2017  -  KPFT Benefit with Amy Goodman | Democracy Now!   Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! will be in Houston on Saturday May 20, 2017 @7:30 PM at the Emerson Unitarian Church to speak about her newest New York Times bestseller, Democracy Now!: Twenty Years Covering the Movements Changing America. Please join us for an evening of information, insight and unique perspectives as Amy speaks about her latest book. This is a KPFT fundraiser, so come out, show your support and be a part of something awesome!   Date: Saturday, May 20, 2015 Time: 7 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, 1900 Bering Dr, Houston 77057   The unprecedented resistance to President Donald Trump’s rise to power did not materialize overnight. Grassroots movements have been challenging the establishment for years, and are what Democracy Now! reports on every day in its global news hour, and in this book. https://www.democracynow.org/events/2017/5/amy_goodman_at_a_benefit_for_kpft_1392 From the standoff at Standing Rock over the Dakota Access Pipeline, to the voices of grassroots leaders; from Black Lives Matter activists to the stories of those fighting for peace, climate justice, migrant rights, and LGBTQ equality; from uncovering government surveillance to fighting attacks on freedom of the press, Democracy Now! has been reporting for two decades from the front lines of the movements that are changing America and changing the world. In these times of war and elections, movements and uprisings, we need independent media more than ever. The commercial media serves as a mouthpiece for corporate and government interests—giving a platform to the pundits and the pollsters who know so little about so much, explaining the world to us and getting it so wrong. Free speech is democracy’s last line of defense. We must demand it, defend it, and most of all, use it—now. AMY GOODMAN is the host and executive producer of Democracy Now! a daily, global grassroots news hour, broadcasting on over 1,400 public television and radio stations around the U.S. and the world, with millions accessing it online at democracynow.org. An acclaimed international journalist, she has won the Right Livelihood Award, widely known as the Alternative Nobel Prize. Goodman is also the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Harvard’s Nieman Foundation of Journalism, the George Polk Award, the Robert F. Kennedy Prize for International Reporting, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Award. This is her sixth New York Times bestselling book. DENIS MOYNIHAN has been working with Democracy Now! since 2000. He is a bestselling author and a King Features syndicated columnist. He lives in Colorado, where he founded community radio station KFFR. Hosted By KPFT. Purchase your tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2942945.            May 17, 2017  -  TEA Talks: Standing in Solidarity with our Muslim American Community     Please join OCA Greater Houston, friends, family, and community partners on May 17th from 6:15-8:30pm at the American Red Cross for Part II of our "Bridge" series, as we discuss the rise of Islamophobia in the US and how we can combat discrimination against our Muslim American family, friends, and neighbors.   Date: May 17, 2017 Time: 6:15pm - 8:30pm Location: American Red Cross, 2700 Southwest Fwy, Houston TX 77098   We will listen to a panel discussion from Nabila Mansoor (EmergeUSA), Mustafa Tameez (Fox 26, Founder & Managing Director at Outreach Strategists), Faisal Charania (South Asian Bar Association), and Sabina Mohammed, brainstorm counter-narrative methods, and discuss immediate actions to take to support and stand in solidarity with our Muslim American community.   This TEA Talk will be co-facilitated by Maleeha Ali and Jason Guo.   For more information and/or to RSVP, click here.           May 13, 2017  -  Free Family Health Fair   The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) Houston is holding a FREE Family health fair for the community at large in Houston, on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., in partnership with key organizations in town (NAAMA, HPD, UT Health, Harris County Public Health, Community Health Choice, the Autism center LoneStar Lend, and Gateway to Sobriety).   This health fair event is held in conjunction with NNAAC Annual National Arab American Service Day .   There will be free screening of vital health signs in addition to smoking cessation, mental health counseling, dental exams, and more.   We are planning fun activities for kids, free giveaways, mini Yoga sessions and more! Light refreshment will be served!   click here for event flyer.       May 13, 2017  -  No Ban, No Wall: Women Writers Unite Hosted by Tintero Projects: Readings & Workshop Series   Date: Saturday, May 13, 2017 Time: 1 PM - 8 PM Location: Inprint, 1520 W Main St, Houston, Texas 77006   Three women writers/poets of color will read work on themes related to the social and political environment in our country and abroad. The poetry they will share seeks to dismantle and deconstruct the rising hate and fear towards Muslims, Arabs, Mexicans and Latino/as that exists in America today. During this event we hope to highlight the stories of these marginalized communities and show that our stories and our experiences are in fact more similar than different. The evening of readings and the afternoon workshop will focus on amplifying and honoring the female voice in these communities and will explore how poetry can be a vehicle for empowerment, community, dialogue, and resistance. (This event is sponsored in part by Poets & Writers)   FREE Writing Workshop: 1-3pm @ Inprint House This poetry writing workshop will be lead by Lena. All levels welcome. FREE Reading: 6-8pm @ Inprint House The evening will open with work by Cristina Martinez. She will be followed by San Antonio visiting poet Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros and our evening will close with Seattle based poet Lena Khalaf Tuffaha reading from her two recently published collections of poetry.   After the reading, we will have a short Q & A with the poets and a book signing and reception.   Lena Khalaf Tuffaha writes poetry, essays and translations. Her first book of poems, Water and Salt, is published by Red Hen Press. She is the winner of the 2016 Two Sylvias Prize for her chapbook Arab in Newsland. Her essays have been published in the Seattle Times, Al-Ahram Weekly, and Kenyon Review Online. She translated the screenplay for the multi award-winning feature film When I Saw You, written and directed by Annemarie Jacir. When I Saw You premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2012 and was Palestine's official submission to the 2012 Academy Awards. She translated I Am A Guest on This Earth by Iraqi poet Faiza Sultan, published by Dar Safi Press. Lena's poems have been published in print and online journals including Magnolia, Blackbird, Barrow Street, the Taos Journal for International Poetry and Art, Diode, Floating Bridge Review, Mizna, Borderlands: Texas Review and Sukoon. She is a three-time Pushcart Prize nominee, for her poems "Immigrant" (2014), "Middle Village" (2015), and "Maqaam" (2016). Her poems "Ruin" and "Dhaya'" have been nominated for ​Best of the Net 2016. Several of her poems have been anthologized; most recently, her poem "Running Orders," published in Letters to Palestine: American Writers Respond to War and Occupation, by Verso Press and "Seafaring Nocturne," published in Gaza Unsilenced by Just World Books. Lena spent ten years working with journalists and editors as a volunteer for Seattle's Arab American community organizations. She helped to tell the stories of people living between two homelands, people who speak in translation and navigate the realities of long wars. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from the University of Washington. She is an MFA candidate at Pacific Lutheran University's Rainier Writing Workshop. San Antonio based poet Carolina Hinojosa-Cisneros is a Christian writer who recognizes her Latinidad and misfitness in that realm. She is an advocate of religious freedom, marginalized people, and supports no ban, no wall. Her blog is Cisneros Café, a gathering place to find the soul grace to redefine our creative center by way of faith, social justice, and books. Her work has appeared in The Acentos Review, Zouch Magazine, The Lookout Magazine, Mudroom, Amity Coalition, Sagebrush Review and more. You can find her tweeting at @CisnerosCafe and blogging at CisnerosCafe.org. Cristina Martinez is a Mexican-American poet living in Houston, Texas who has been writing since grade school, and recently started writing and performing slam poetry at various venues in Houston. An article on one of her pieces was written and posted on HuffPost Latinos and We Are Mitú. She is always enthusiastic about engaging conversation centered around poetry, literature, art of all medians, and especially her 4 year Bull Terrier. Her first love is veterinary patient care, she works as a veterinary technician at a specialty hospital under an impressive team of neurologists and neurosurgeons. With the help of her beautiful family of poets at Write About Now she hopes to continue to stride forward with poetry and activism in the community."   For more info, visit https://tinteroprojects.wordpress.com/           May 13, 2017  -  Got Rights: A Presentation About Your Rights Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the law by Arsalan Safiullah (Staff Attorney with the Council on American Islamic Relations-Houston) Understanding protection of civil rights under US constitution Learn how to engage law enforcement Learn about the recent Muslim ban and its impact    Date: Saturday, May 13, 2017 Time: After Maghrib (8 p.m.) Location: MAS Katy Center   For more info, visit www.maskaty.org.         May 12, 2017  -  Defining a Western Muslim Identity Friday, May 12, 2017 7 PM - 10 PM ISGH River Oaks Islamic Center, 3110 Eastside St, Houston, Texas 77098   Risala Foundation is pleased to host Dr Jonathan Brown and Laila El-Arian for a special event in Houston! DR JONATHAN BROWN is the Alwaleed bin Talal Chair of Islamic Civilization in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and he is the Director of the Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim Christian Understanding. He received his BA in History from Georgetown University in 2000 and his doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago in 2006. Dr. Brown has studied and conducted research in countries such as Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Iran. His book publications include The Canonization of al-Bukhari and Muslim: The Formation and Function of the Sunni Hadith Canon (Brill, 2007), Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World (Oneworld, 2009) and Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2011), which was selected for the National Endowment for the Humanities' Bridging Cultures Muslim Journeys Bookshelf. His most recent book, Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenges and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy (Oneworld, 2014), was named one of the top books on religion in 2014 by the Independent. He has published articles in the fields of Hadith, Islamic law, Salafism, Sufism, Arabic lexical theory and Pre-Islamic poetry and is the editor in chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Law. Dr. Brown’s current research interests include Islamic legal reform and a translation of Sahih al-Bukhari. LAILA EL-ARIAN is a Senior Producer for Al Jazeera. She received a BA in English literature from Georgetown University and an M.S. from Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in The Nation, Salon, The Independent, and other publications, and she is co-author of Collateral Damage: America's War Against Iraqi Civilians.     For more information, click here.   May 5-7, 2017  -  Houston Palestine Film Festival   11th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival Where: Museum of Fine Arts Houston & Rice University Media Center   Friday, May 5 7 pm, Museum of Fine Arts Houston Gaza Surf Club by Philip Gnadt & Mickey Yamine Tawfiq's Reef by Roger Hill   Saturday, May 6   4 pm, Rice University Media Center Radiance of Resistance by Jesse Roberts Return to Seifa Village by Anne Paq & Roger Hill 7 pm, Rice University Media Center Gaza Surf Club by Philip Gnadt & Mickey Yamine *with special guests in attendance Gaza a Gaping Wound by Anne Paq & Ala Qandil *accompanied by "Obliterated Families" photography exhibit Sunday, May 7 5 pm, Rice University Media Center Fire at Sea by Gianfranco Rosi and Donatella Palermo We Cannot Go There Now, My Dear by Carol Mansour      For more information, visit www.hpff.org.        April 30, 2017  -  Syrian American Club Annual Spring Picnic   Sunday, April 30, 2017 12 pm - 6 pm Bear Creek Park, Pavilion 3, Schultz Ln, Houston, TX 77084   Click here for more details/event flyer.        April 30, 2017  -  Egyptian American Society Sham El Nessim   The annual Sham El Nessim gathering will be hosted by the Egyptian American Society (EAS) at 2.00 PM on Sunday April 30th at the Raindrop House.   Sham el-Nessim, a holiday that is celebrated by Egyptians of all religions. This day marks the beginning of Spring. Sham el-Nessim is derived from the hieroglyphic word "Shamu," meaning "The Season of the Harvest." We welcome you on this day to enjoy the beauty and the prosperity that the Spring season has to offer, as well as the unity it brings upon family and friends. There will be lots of delicious food and great activities including: coloring eggs, a family egg hunt, beach volleyball and more.   Event admission: $10/person or $25/family. Admission includes a meal ticket.    Date: Sunday, April 30, 2017 Time: 2 PM - 6 PM Location: Raindrop Turkish Center, 9301 W Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX 77031   Free parking will be available at the right side of the building by the basketball courts. Thank you, and see you soon :)   RSVP and invite friends and family for a day of fun, food and entertainment.   For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1319731858118957/.        April 29, 2017  -  ICNA Relief Houston's Annual Banquet Ordinary People Creating Extraordinary Communities!   This Year's Special Guests & Speakers: Sh. Mikaeel Smith, Sh. Abdul Hakim, Linda Sarsour   Saturday, April 29, 2017 6:00 pm Sharp 8800 W. Sam Houston Pkwy #107, Houston, TX 77099   For more information, visit http://hou.icnarelief.org/.        April 28, 2017  -  "The Sultan and The Saint" - a Film on Muslim-Christian Unity   A Film about Muslim-Christian Peace Premieres in Houston   Risala Foundation is proud to partner with Unity Films Production and the St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Houston and invites you to a special interfaith screening.   Today, more than ever, we must look to the fast for inspiration to build bridges with other faith communities.   During the Crusades, Saint Francis of Assisi risked his life by walking across enemy lines to meet the Sultan of Egypt, the Muslim ruler Al-Malik al-Kamil. This remarkable encounter, and the commitment to peace of the two men behind it, sucked the venom out of the Crusades and changed the relationship between Muslims and Christians for the better.   Featuring dramatic reenactments and renowned scholarship, this amazing story is brought to life. Scholars interviewed include Michael Cusato (St. Bonaventure University), Sr. Kathy Warren (Sisters of St. Francis), Suleiman Mourad (Smith College), Homayra Ziad (Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies), Paul Moses (The Saint and the Sultan), and others.   Join us for this premiere in Houston to learn about the remarkable spiritual exchange between the Sultan and the Saint, and the great risks they took for peace.    Date: Friday, April 28, 2017 Time: Registration 6 p.m., Start time at 6:30 p.m. Location: St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Dr., Spring TX    Free and open to everyone    Parents please note: The film contains some scenes of violence and may not be appropriate for children under 12. Please use your discretion.    For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.        April 28, 2017  -  Letters Home to Syria A group of students from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University will be holding a free concert of new music written by Syrian and Syrian-American composers.   Sunday, April 23 at 4 pm: Al-Sham Center Friday, April 28 at 8 pm: Campbell Learning Center   Click here for more information.          April 15-May 27, 2017  -  Calligraphy Spring Classes   Workshop: Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy and Beginners Level Roq'a Script Teacher: Mr. Munther Yousef Date: Saturday, April 15 to Saturday, May 27 Time: from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Join us at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center for Arabic Calligraphy Workshop and learn the beautiful art of Arabic Calligraphy. There is no requirement of knowing the Arabic language. This workshop is suitable for all ages (from 7 to 90 plus!). This Workshop will cover the basics of Arabic Calligraphy and Roq'a Script combined.   Classes consist of 6-week sessions, 2 hours each (total 12 hours). Note: there is no class on Saturday April 22nd. Workshop Fees: $150 Plus cost of Kit (to be kept by students) Supply Kit: $30   In this 2-hour session workshop, students will first learn about the basics of Arabic calligraphy in the first session. Students take home their names written in Arabic calligraphy!Over the remaining sessions, students will learn the Roq'a script. Roq'a is often the first font introduced to beginners as it is relatively easier than other sophisticated Arabic calligraphy scripts.   To enroll, please click here. For more details please contact the instructor at monther_yousef@yahoo.com or call the ACC at 832-351-3366.           April 5-28, 2017  -  National Arab American Heritage Month The Arab American Cultural & Community Center (ACC) Houston NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH - FOURTH ANNUAL CELEBRATION     April 5, 7:30pm: Opening night of "What We Carried: Fragments & Memories from Iraq & Syria" A Photographic Exhibition by Jim Lommasson. A national touring exhibition of the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan Refreshments and appetizers will be served Opening night will include the opening of "What We Carried: Fragments & Memories from Iraq & Syria" in the presence of renowned freelance photographer Jim Lommasson, whose images document what it means to leave everything behind. Jim Lommasson is a freelance photographer and author living in Portland, Oregon. He received several prizes and was recently awarded a Regional Arts and Culture Council Project Grant for "What We Carried" project. Jim will give a talk about this exhibition, the carried objects and the stories behind them.   April 7, 7:30 pm: Beethoven Piano recital by Pianist Chaden Yafi   Venue: Kawai Piano Gallery, 5800 Richmond Avenue Houston TX 77057   Dr.Chaden Yafi, pianist: Earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, College of Fine Arts where she was a recipient of the Dean’s Award Scholarship. Yafi holds also a Masters in Piano Performance and a Graduate Performance Diploma both from Longy School of Music in Boston, a Bachelor in Piano Performance from the Higher Institute of Music in Damascus, Syria, and a Bachelor in Pharmacy from Damascus University. She worked as piano faculty at Tufts University and Brookline Music School in Boston and also worked as Collaborative pianist at the University of Houston, and Artist in residence at the Opera House in Damascus. April 19, 7:30 pm: Talk by Mona Hatoum about "Measures of Distance" Mona Hatoum is a visual artist who was born into a Palestinian family in Beirut and now lives and works in London. She has worked in a diverse range of media including performance, video, photography, installation and sculpture. Hatoum first became widely known in the mid 80s for a series of performance and video works that focused with great intensity on the body. In the '90s her work moved increasingly towards large-scale installations and sculpture. Hatoum has developed a language in which familiar, domestic everyday objects are often transformed into foreign, threatening and dangerous things. She has participated over the years in numerous significant exhibitions from London to Venice, Sidney, Paris, and Stockholm, just to name a few. In 2013-2014 she was the subject of a solo exhibition at the Kunstmuseum St Gallen and the largest survey of her work to be shown in the Arab world was held in 2014 at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha. April 21, 7:00 pm: International Cultural Ladies Night This event is for ladies only. Members of our community from various countries from the Arab Wolrd and beyond are invited to decorate a table with artifacts and to bring sample staple food from their culture to share with other guests. All are encouraged to wear traditional clothes (even though not a must) and be ready to dance at the rythm of music from around the World. To book a table, please contact ACC at 832-351-3366 or email membership@acchouston.org. April 27, 7:30 pm: "A Thousand And One Journeys- The Arab Americans" followed by Skype Q&A with filmmaker Abe Kasbo   Abe Kasbo is the producer and director of “A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans”. He grew up in Aleppo, Syria before immigrating to the United States with his family at the age of ten. In 2007, he founded Zeitoune FilmWorks, LLC to produce A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans, the first ever feature-length, broadcast quality documentary chronicling the rich yet silent history and contributions of Arab Americans to the American fabric. A Thousand And One Journeys: The Arab Americans is the untold story of almost 200 years of the contributions of those who immigrated to the United States from the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf have made to the American fabric. The film vividly paints a portrait of the Arab-American immigrant experience through the stories of people who, like all Americans, immigrated in pursuit of the American Dream, including Senator George Mitchell, Jamie Farr, General John Abizaid, Anthony Shadid, Helen Thomas and more. With historical immigration patterns as background, the film explores the personal stories of Arab-Americans and how they have contributed to the collective American experience. April 28, 7:30 pm: Closing reception ~ Jazz performance by Raphael Gadot Trio, including Osama Raad on Drums The Raphael Gadot Trio is a Houston-based jazz band that plays original music composed by the trio. They also play some standard pieces that are rearranged by the band members. They live in Houston, Texas but they are international. Raphael is from France. Alex is from Russia. Osama is from Lebanon: Raphael Gadot -Piano Alex Kostin - Contrabass Osama Raad - Drums They have two CD recordings: Square Flower and Hypnosis    All events, except the Piano Concert, are held at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, Texas 77099 Events are free and open to the public, but registering (RSVP) is required so we can plan accordingly. For more details or questions please contact the ACC at 832-351-3366 or email membership@acchouston.org. Special thanks to our - Sponsors: Mr. Bassam Barazi and Dr. Aziz Shaibani - Community Partners: The Menil Collection~ Arab American National Museum~The Moody Center for The Arts at Rice University~ The Syrian American Club         April 24, 2017  -  Community Discussion on Immigration Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Turner    Community Discussion on Immigration Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner Town Hall Meeting with Muslim Community   Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Chief of Police will hold a Town Hall meeting, in coordination with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH), with the Houston Muslim Community.     Date: Monday, April 24, 2017 Time: 5:30 pm Location: Marquee Event Center, 11040 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074       Click here for event flyer.         April 22, 2017  -  Immigrants for Sale Documentary Film Screening Hosted by Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston Date: Saturday, April 22, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Location: Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, 1900 Bering Dr, Houston 77057   Amidst the fury of the ongoing immigration debate, we’re often denied the personal stories of human suffering and loss that result from the crisis. The Brave New Films documentary Immigrants for Sale follows several families who are stuck in the crosshairs of the immigration epidemic, and serves as a deeply intimate and compassionate portrait of the suffering caused by the ill-conceived laws designed to contain it.   The film also points to a far more insidious and sinister dynamic which lies at the heart of many of these laws and policies: the capturing of illegal immigrants, and the destruction of their families, for the benefit of politics and profit.   For more info, click here.           April 20, 2017  -  In the Eye of the Storm: Archaeology in the Midst of the War in Syria   Date: Thursday, April 20, 2017 Time: 6:30PM Location: Houston Museum of Natural Science - Wortham Giant Screen Theatre 5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030   A presentation with Dr. Giorgio BUCCELLATI, Director, Mesopotamian Lab, Cotsen Institute of Archeology, UCLA, Dr. Marilyn KELLY-BUCCELLATI, Director, Mozan/Urkesh Archaeological Project, and Dr. Charles STEWART Associate Professor, Art History University of St. Thomas   Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center   While ISIS threatens the history and cultural identity of the populations under its control, people are fighting their influence to defend their cultural heritage. Uncovered three decades ago by an international team lead by UCLA Archeologist Giorgio Buccellati and his wife Marilyn Kelly Buccellati, Urkesh, one of the oldest cities in history located a few miles from the Turkish border in northeastern Syria, has become a beacon of hope to the people of the town of Amouda.   How is it that an archaeological excavation may have social relevance in today's Syria? What is the impact of these findings on contemporary history and culture? What do this discovery and need for preservation tell us about our own humanity and sense of identity?   Crossroads Houston invites you to a lecture with Drs. Giorgio and Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati, with opening remarks from Dr. Charles Stewart.   Tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences Box Office or by phone at 713.639.4629, use coupon code Lec$6off. Advance purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets online, click here - please note coupon code will not work with online purchase.   For more information, click here.        April 18-23, 2017  -  "Stories of Refuge" and "Camp Pause"   Dictaphone Group Stories of Refuge Follow the story of three Syrian refugees who fled the war in Syria and sought refuge in Munich, Germany. Each was given a discreet camera and asked to film a day in their lives in the refugee camp. The installation is outfitted so that the audience watches these films while lying in bunk beds, as if characters in the unfolding scenes.   Tue 4/18/17–Sun 4/23/17 12pm–8pm MATCH Gallery, 3400 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 Tue 4/18/17 Opening Night Celebration at the MATCH beginning at 6pm ---------- Camp Pause Four films are projected onto the four walls of a gallery. Each film follows a Palestinian resident of a refugee camp on the coast of Lebanon, walking from their dwelling to the sea. Along the way, they speak of the history of the land, their arrival, and everyday life in the camp. Tue 4/18/17– Sun 4/23/17 Video Installation 12pm–8pm The Brandon at Brasil, 1709 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006 Fri 4/21/17 Opening Reception from 7-9pm at Brasil Cafe' For more information, visit www.countercurrentfestival.org/.        March 31, April 1, 2 & 8, 2017  -  Annual Lebanese Festival EXTENDED ONE MORE DAY to APRIL 8, 2017, SATURDAY!   Join us for THREE days of amazing cultural exhibits, delicious food, continuous entertainment, and fun activities that will transport you to the land of the cedars. It will be a one of a kind experience as attendees are whisked away on a memorable and exquisite journey to explore all that Lebanon has to offer. The 3rd Annual Houston Lebanese Festival will be unlike any other festival before. It will be filled with surprises that take you to the streets, the sights, and the sounds of Lebanon.   This event is hosted by the American Lebanese Cultural Center (ALCC). We have had tremendous success during the last 2 festival years as more than 10,000 visitors joined us per weekend. We hope to see you at Jones Plaza in downtown Houston on March 31 – April 2, 2017!   FRIDAY 5:00 PM till 11:00 PM SATURDAY 11:00 AM TILL 11:00 PM SUNDAY 11:00 AM TILL 9:00 PM   Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 2-12: kid’s games are included in admission tickets). Infants 2 years and under are FREE. A portion of admission proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.   For more information, visit www.houstonlebanesefestival.org.           April 8, 2017  -  Open Mosque Day: Building Alliances - Bettering Communities      ICNA Houston in collaboration with MAS Katy Center and GainPeace has organized an Open Mosque Day on Saturday, April 8th, 2017 from 12 pm-3 pm at MAS Katy Center (Masjid ArRahman), 1800 Baker Road, Houston, TX 77094. It is important for the Muslim community to portray Islam in its true essence as a religion that teaches respect, compassion and coexistence. The Open Mosque Day is a great Dawah opportunity for Muslims to build alliances, better communities and create lasting friendships with their fellow Americans. This event is designed exclusively for non-Muslims to ask questions, dispel misconceptions and solidify the impact that Muslims make in America. You are requested to invite your non-Muslim neighbors, friends, coworkers, clients, customers, classmates and roommates to this event.     It is our sincere hope that this event will build alliances, better communities, and create lasting friendships.   Event Highlights: • 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm: Welcome, Lunch, Social Hour, Henna Design, Face Painting, Tour of the Mosque, Islamic Art   • 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm: Break for Muslim Prayer   • 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Short Presentation: Myths Vs Facts, What is Islam & Muslim, Women in Islam, Sharia Law, American Muslims' Contributions in last four centuries   • 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Open Forum: Q&A and discussion; conclusion with final remarks   Keeping the objective of this program in mind, we respectfully ask that if you are planning to attend then please bring at least one non-Muslim guest with you InshaAllah.   Please RSVP at www.icnahouston.org/rsvp. Event Organized By: ICNA Houston, MAS Katy Center-Masjid ArRahman, and GainPeace Contact: Sultan Salahuddin 1.832.725.8572 Dr Sabeel Ahmed 1.800.662.ISLAM; E-Mail: Sabeel@GainPeace.Com     Invitation Video (YouTube)   -   Event Flyer (English)   -   Event Flyer (Spanish)             April 7, 2017  -  PCRF Houston Chapter Meeting    Please join The Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF - Houston) on Friday, April 7th as we celebrate PCRF's achievements in Houston and share the exciting plans we have for the future of the Chapter!   For more information click here and please RSVP by sending an email to Houston@PCRF.net.   We look forward to seeing you again and having your continued support in our mission to give these children the care that they need.        April 4, 2017  -  Israel's Politics of Fear and the Palestinians   Rice University History Department presents: Israel's Politics of Fear and the Palestinians with Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian   Date: April 4, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Sewall Hall 307, Rice University   The talk will be based on Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian's newly published book about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict entitled Security Theology, Surveillance and the Politics of Fear. By drawing attention to violence against Palestinians, and by pointing to legal, symbolic and material means of dehumanization, Professor Shalhoub-Kevorkian will explore the production of racialized and violent forms of surveillance and fear that results in human suffering. In connecting the structures of Israeli power with the invisible and mundane lives of the colonized Palestinian people, the talk will share data, including photos, videos, and relevant laws, to show how the personal has become profoundly politicized. Moving from the dead to the newborn, from the graveyard to the womb, from the attack on home to homeland, Shalhoub-Kevorkian will discuss the way in which intimate agonies are political sites of colonial governance. Prof. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian is the Lawrence D. Biele Chair in Law at the Faculty of Law-Institute of Criminology and the School of Social Work and Public Welfare at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Parking is available in Founder’s Court lot, located on the map, and is the most easily accessible parking for the lecture. Additional visitor parking is available near the football stadium, please note that this will include a short walk across campus.   Click here for event flyer.        March 27-30, 2017  -  Israeli Apartheid Week 2017   Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an international series of events that seeks to raise awareness of Israel’s settler-colonial project and apartheid system over the Palestinian people and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.   This year will mark 100 years of Palestinian resistance against settler colonialism, since the inception of the Balfour Declaration. IAW will be an opportunity to reflect on this century of resistance and further advance BDS campaigns for the continued growth and impact of the movement. The BDS movement continues to build linkages and solidarity with other struggles to achieve freedom, justice, and equality.   For IAW at UH, we have organized a week of events that will demonstrate the challenges that Palestinians face in the occupied territories, educate students on how we can show solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and how the Palestinian struggle intersects with other struggles around the world. We will also be hosting and co-hosting these upcoming events throughout the week:   #IAW2017 SCHEDULE:   March 27 & 28, 2017  -  Mock Apartheid Wall   Date: Monday (3/27) + Tuesday (3/28) Time: 10am-4pm Location: Butler Plaza, University of Houston    For more information, click here.           March 27, 2017  -  The Black Radical Tradition and Palestine, with Dr. Gerald Horne   Join Students for a Democratic Society and Students for Justice in Palestine at UH as we kick off Israeli Apartheid Week with an important talk from Dr. Gerald Horne.    Date: Monday, March 27, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 8 PM Location: Agnes Arnold Auditorium 2, University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston    As Donald Trump’s hardline right-wing administration launches attacks on working and oppressed communities, new questions arise for the present and future of the Black liberation struggle in the United States. On the belief that democracy as a whole in the U.S. has historically been led by, and has always depended on the strength of support for, the Black liberation struggle, SDS would like to open up questions on the direction of that struggle in light of the past. What strategy should the Black struggle adopt—domestic or internationalist? What alliances should it form? How can students and progressives best provide support? The Black Radical Tradition has historically advocated for building international alliances, strengthening bonds of solidarity and action between the targets of the U.S. at home and abroad. In the recent past, the working relationship between Black and Palestinian organizations has become an especially bright flashpoint of international solidarity, building a movement across borders based on fighting common oppression. Join us for a discussion with Dr. Gerald Horne, John J. and Rebecca Moores Chair of History and African American Studies, on the history of the Black Radical Tradition and the enduring importance of its ties to the Palestinian liberation struggle.   For more information, click here.           March 28, 2017  -  Spoken Word with Remi Kanazi: Resistance and Palestine Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 8 PM Location: Social Work Auditorium #102, University of Houston   With the support of BDS Houston, day two of IAW (Israeli Apartheid Week) welcomes Palestinian-American performance poet Remi Kanazi. Remi is a poet, writer, and editor based in New York City. He is the author of Poetic Injustice: Writings on Resistance and Palestine (RoR Publishing, 2011) and the editor of Poets For Palestine (Al Jisser Group, 2008).   His political commentary has been featured by news outlets throughout the world, including Al Jazeera English, GRITtv with Laura Flanders, and BBC Radio. He has also taught poetry workshops from Oklahoma to the West Bank.    Students: FREE, Community members: $10     For more information, click here.         March 29, 2017  -  "Ayny" & "House" Short Film Screening & Discussion   Date: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 8 PM Location: A. Arnold Room 204, University of Houston   Join SJP for a screening of "Ayny" & "House" two films by the Oscar Award-Winning Palestinian film director Ahmad Saleh. We are so excited to screen these beautifully evocative pieces during our Israeli Apartheid Week! The screening will follow with a discussion on the films with the director. Ahmad Saleh is a writer & director based in Germany. His first work was a stories collection titled Zowwadan, which was awarded the A M Qattan's Young Writers Award in 2004 in Palestine. His first short film "HOUSE", which he made in his Master’s in Digital Media at the University of Arts Bremen in Germany, had a successful tour since it was released in 2012. The film earned several important awards in Europe, USA, Iran and Jordan. Recently, he finished another Master’s study in film, in which he wrote and directed another two short films and started writing his first feature. His graduation project “Ayny” won a golden Oscar at the Student Academy Awards 2016 in the foreign animation category. ABOUT "AYNY": Based off of a true story, a cruel war has destroyed two brothers’ home. Their mother protects them under her arms and fosters the seed of their new life. Yet, she is anxious her sons could fall into danger if they leave the house. The boys chase their dream to play a musical instrument they’ve fallen in love with, a magnificent oud. Trouble follows; but as strong birds will always fly, the two boys become one to overcome their trauma. ABOUT "HOUSE": For generations a family lived in a spacious, beautiful and generous house. The generosity of the house had become part of their life. Guests were always welcome to enjoy a pleasant stay. Until one guest arrived with a different plan in mind. House is an artistic portrait of Palestine and a simple narration of the artist's conception of the situation. The film detaches all the complicated layers that are put by the mass media on top of the situation, and tells the complete story — origins and consequences — in a level that any human in the world can understand.   For more information, click here.          March 30, 2017  -  Screening of "Speed Sisters" and Discussion   Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 Time: 6 PM - 8 PM Location: A. Arnold Room 204, University of Houston   Join us Thursday for a documentary screening of "Speed Sisters" followed by a brief discussion. Watch the trailer to learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNC9FAtHkyU%2F    The Speed Sisters are the first all-woman race car driving team in the Middle East. Grabbing headlines and turning heads at improvised tracks across the West Bank, these five women have sped their way into the heart of the gritty, male-dominated Palestinian street car-racing scene. Weaving together their lives on and off the track, SPEED SISTERS takes you on a surprising journey into the drive to go further and faster than anyone thought you could. You won't want to miss seeing this incredible film!   "The documentary focuses on Marah, Noor, Mona, Betty and team captain Maysoon. Noor boxes and lifts weight, Maysoon plans her marriage while driving along the walls that divide Israel, Marah shares the racing zeal of her dentist father, Mona tends to get into wrecks and Betty has a ferocious desire to win. They are dedicated to the auto-cross racing of navigating obstacles and cones on small tracks, a fitting metaphor for the geographical and political constraints that define Palestine." Read more here: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-ca-speed-sisters-film-20170202-story.html    For more information, click here.   Hosted by Students for Justice in Palestine at UH. For more information, click here.              March 26, 2017  -  Islamic Arts Day Maryam Islamic Center hosts a day of learning for the family featuring ceramic art, paintings, live Ebru, amazing calligraphy, and much more.   Admission is FREE!   Click here for event flyer.       March 25-26, 2017  -  Houston Palestinian Festival   Featuring: Folkloric & Contemporary Music & Dance, Traditional Food & Drinks, Grand Bazaar, Palestinian Culture Tent, Kids Fun Zone, Art Exhibit, and more.         Two nights of performances by Dalal Abu Amneh & the Palestinian Ladies of Ya Sitti, with host musical director, Hanna Khoury.   As well as performances by Jabour, DJ Ashraf, Aladeen Alhayek, Salem Omran, the Houston Band, and many more!   When: Saturday-Sunday, March 25-26, 2017 Location: Jones Plaza, 601 Louisiana St., Houston      Admission Tickets: $10, free for kids 12 and under   Presented by The Palestinians American Cultural Center.   For more information, click here.      March 25, 2017  -  Free Workshop for Home Buying and Mortgage Refinancing   Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 Time: 1.30 pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099 Free workshop presentation for: - Your path for a home ownership - How to get the best mortgage - Understand your closing costs - Be a successful home owner   Food and Refreshments will be served.   FREE Admission, but registering is required. For reservation please call 832-351-3366 / 281-687-8213 or email: membership@acchouston.org.     March 25, 2017  -  "A Tale of the City" by Ammar Alobaidi   Closing Reception March 25, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   The O’Kane Gallery at the University of Houston-Downtown is honored to present a solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by Ammar Alobaidi. Alobaidi was born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1969, but recently came to the United States as a refugee. Before arriving in America, he first had fled to Jordan. It is in Jordan that he studied with Mohr Aldeen, and in 2007 began exhibiting art at venues such as the Muhtaraf Alrimal Gallery, The Royal Cultural Center, and Zara Gallery, among other places. Through his work, Alobaidi desires to counteract the loss and sorrow of displacement.   Making art for Alobaidi is an act of joyful outreach on an inspiring scale. Small canvases cannot typically contain his exultant vision. His is a language of abstraction and brilliant color on the one hand, then of rhythmic, graphic, black and white patterns on the other. Texture is implied with areas of checkerboard, dots, or wavy lines, while compositions are constructed with the careful precision of an engineer. The human figure is often suggested, but each character is joined together in harmonic continuity as one form overlies another in a manner reminiscent of later Picasso or Matisse. Visual bonds between men and women stand as a visual allegory for societal reunification. Before a world disfigured by wars and what the artist calls the "horrors" that lead the human being towards his lowest instincts of individual and collective destruction, Alobaidi seeks to reveal the strength of love, solidarity, and the exchanges of generosity that can spontaneously happen.   For more information, click here.     March 25, 2017  -  Skype Interview With Syrian Artist Fadi Yazigi   Skype Interview with Syrian Artist Fadi Yazigi Moderated by Deborah M. Colton   Date: Saturday, March 25, 2017 Time: 3:30pm Location: 2445 North Boulevard, Houston, TX 77098   Complimentary valet   For more information: please call (713)869-5151.   Click here for event flyer.     March 24, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Out   The ACC Ladies' Night Out Group at Bait Al-Arab (ACC)   Date: Friday, March 24th Time: From 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Happy Mother's Day   The ladies at Bait AlArab invite all community ladies to our ladies night gathering for for Arabic Mothers Day celebration on Friday March 24th at 6 pm at the ACC.   Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment - Join us celebrating Mothers Day With Dance show followed by dance class - Performance by Asil AlGazi - Bring your waist ties and be ready to move - Dance,Games,raffle Door prize and much more - Bring a home made dish to Share Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!  Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child.   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated.   To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.     March 22, 2017  -  Sketches of the Syrian Diaspora: A night of Music and Storytelling   The Middle Eastern Studies Program, Honors at the University of Houston is partnering with Interfaith Ministries and the Syrian American Coalition on an event, "Sketches of the Syrian Diaspora: A night of Music and Storytelling" showcasing a Syrian refugee musician, Syrian refugees catering, etc.   Join us for live performances of traditional Middle Eastern Music performed by Mohamed Horo, a refugee from Syria, and Michael Fares, professor of Arabic at UH. There will be readings of poetry from the refugee experience, and Dr Kimberly Meyer will be reading from her recent work on refugees in Houston. Speakers also include Ali Al Sudani from Interfaith Ministries Refugee Services, and Carmen Montoya from the Ghana Think Tank.   Come enjoy performances featuring traditional Arabic music, storytelling, and poetry.     When: Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Time: 4 p.m. Location: Honors Commons, University of Houston   Tea and light refreshments provided by the Houston Syrian refugee community will be served.   Seating is limited.       Click here for event flyer.      March 21, 2017  -  Beyond the Arab Muslim Ban: Feminist Futures and Joint Struggle    The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and The Arab-American Education Foundation Chair in Modern Arab History at the University of Houston welcome you to the Nijad and Zeina Fares Arab-American Educational Foundation Annual Distinguished Lecture in Modern Arab Studies: Beyond the Arab Muslim Ban: Feminist Futures and Joint Struggle by Professor Nadine Naber (University of Illinois at Chicago).    Professor Nadine Naber is a leading Arab-American feminist scholar, author, and social justice advocate. She is an associate professor in the Gender and Women's Studies Program and the Global Asian Studies Program and the director of the Arab American Cultural Center at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Professor Naber is author of Arab America: Gender, Cultural Politics, and Activism and editor of Race and Arab Americans; Arab and Arab American Feminisms (winner of the Arab American Book Award 2012); and The Color of Violence.      When: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 Time: Reception 6:00 PM, Lecture begins at 6:30 PM Location: University of Houston Alumni Association O’Quinn Great Hall, 3204 Cullen Blvd. Nearest Parking: TDECU Stadium Garage    Click here for event flyer.      March 11, 2017  -  Palestinian American Cultural Center Annual Gala   Seventh Annual PACC Gala honoring Acclaimed Lebanese Composer, Oud Master, and Singer Marcel Khalife.   Performance by Palestinian Global Singing Sensation Omar Kamal.   Including the Abu Obeida Community Service Award, the Palestinian Bazaar, Art and Culture.   Date: Saturday, March 11, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Click here for event flyer.   For more information, visit http://pacchouston.com/.     March 11, 2017  -  Becoming the Prophet's Companion Click here for event flyer.       March 5, 2017  -  Ilm Academy Fundraising Gala   Leading the Way. Please join us on Sunday, March 5 at 5:00pm in the Omni Houston Hotel at Westside for an evening of inspiration as our students present the glowing lights in their lives whom they follow today to lead the world tomorrow.   Our esteemed guest speaker will be an alumnus from ILM Academy's first graduating class of 2016. Our alumnus will be joined by Sh. Joe Bradford, a leader himself in the Muslim community and long-time supporter of ILM Academy.   To share in an evening of inspiration with the ILM Academy family, please purchase your tickets of $50 for adults (ages 12+) and $25 for children (ages 2-11). Take another step and invite your friends too by sponsoring a table starting at $2,500. Contact us at Fundraiser@ilmacademy.org to make purchases or ask questions. We look forward to having you with us!     March 3, 2017  -  Know Your Rights Workshop   Join us in an effort to prepare for unexpected situations that may arise regarding our rights as American citizens.   This event is for both men and women. Q & A after presentation. Dinner will be served.   Date: Friday, March 3, 2017 Time: 8 PM - 9 PM Location: Asia Center, 618 Barringer Ln, Webster, Texas 77598 Presentation by CAIR-Houston   For more information, click here.     February 25, 2017  -  Iman Academy Job Fair Click here for more details.     February 25, 2017  -  ISNA Conference in Houston- Power of Faith: Transforming Self and Society ISNA Conference in Houston in collaboration with ISGH and Risala Foundation Power of Faith: Transforming Self and Society Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 Time: 9 AM - 9 PM Location: WISE Learning & Sports, 8800 W Sam Houston Pkwy S, Ste 107, Houston 77099 Speakers - Azhar Azeez, ISNA President - Mehdi Hasan - Linda Sarsour - Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf - Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi - Imam Siraj Wahhaj Event Highlights - Main sessions - Youth/ MSA Sessions - Bazaar - Saturday Banquet with keynote address - Childcare and more   Basketball Youth Camp with Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf for boys and girls age 10 and up.   For more information, visit http://www.isna.net/event/isna-conference-in-houston/.     February 25, 2017  -  American Lebanese Medical Association (ALMA) Biennial Gala   The American Lebanese Medical Association cordially invites you to its biennial gala honoring Dr. Fadlo R. Khuri, President of the American University of Beirut.   Date: Saturday, February 25, 2017 Time: Reception at 7:00 pm, Dinner at 8:00 pm Location: Hyatt Regency Galleria, 2626 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056    It's a wonderful opportunity to socialize with Lebanese American professionals and help fund scholarships for the health professions students.   Click here for more details.       February 24, 2017  -  Q&A with FBI Houston   A Panel of Top FBI agents in Houston Area will Answer Your Questions Bring your questions Bring your concerns   When: February 24, 2017 Time: after Isha Location: Multipurpose Hall, MAS Katy Center, 1902 Baker Rd, Houston, TX 77094   Everyone is Invited!            For more information, click here.     February 24, 2017  -  A Concert for Peace: Sami Yusuf Performance and Q&A   Risala Foundation and ISNA are pleased to announce Sami Yusuf's visit to Houston as part of his US campus tour for a performance and Q&A on the exquisite tradition of Islamic music, from the East to the West.   Sami Yusuf will be performing traditional Islamic devotional music rarely presented in the US. His album Barakah focuses on a wide variety of traditional music from Muslim cultures.   When: February 24, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm Location: University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston, Texas 77204   “Barakah is specifically my response to the atrocities being carried out in the name of my faith, and it celebrates over 1,000 years of sacred Islamic music. Contrary to what extremists would want us to believe, the traditional understanding is that, in Islam [and] I believe in all the great traditions, the default position is one of beauty, love, and compassion.” - Sami Yusuf   This will be a ticketed event; tickets to go on sale soon.           For more information, click here.     February 22, 2017  -  The Legacy of Japanese American Internment and Muslim American Discrimination Today   7:00pm I Asia Society Texas I 1370 Southmore Blvd.   Join us to remember Japanese American internment, evaluate the current status of the community, and consider what it means to be Muslim American in the 21st century. To register for this event, and for additional information, click HERE.     Visual Art Classes Join us for Art classes at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center. Classes will be offered once a week, with the option of either attending the Monday or the Saturday session.   Start Date: Monday Classes will start January 30, from 10- 11:30 a.m. Ends May 14th Saturday classes will start Saturday February 4, from 10- 11:30 a.m. Ends may 20th There will be no classes in the Week of March 13th- 18th due to Spring Break Class Cost: $60/Month (one class per week) Full Payment Discount: $205 All classes Supplies: Students are responsible to bring their own supplies This Workshop will challenge the student to express individual observations, ideas, and thoughts through various painting techniques. The students will start by learning the basic painting vocabulary. Then, and as class progresses, the students will learn to: -Paint with different objects -Experiment technique in watercolor and acrylic -Use gesso surface for acrylic -Demonstrate the proper use of tools and equipment for painting -Create paintings from direct observation, imagination and experience -Drawing a still life -Explain the material needed -Work on different kind of techniques by artists. (cross hatching, rubbing). -Use dark and light values in a composition to create form and dimension. -Use collage for a still life - Understand the 2Design -Design and create painting expressing personal solutions and expressions -Use mixed media and collage -Employ and apply a variety of media within one single composition -Develop a painting exploring color theory -Mix colors and apply them on canvas -Discover possibilities of painting on surfaces other than white paper and canvas -Explore painting with rice, sand and salt, ceramic... etc. The teacher will be also assisting and helping student in their art work they bring to class. RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY SIGNING UP TODAY. A MINIMUM DEPOSIT IS NEEDED. To reserve your seat, please click HERE. For more details, please contact the ACC at 832-351-3366.     Arabic Calligraphy Workshop Series Teacher: Mr. Munther Yousef Join us at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center for a Series of Calligraphy Workshops Enroll in our workshop to learn the beautiful art of Arabic Calligraphy. There is no requirement of knowing the Arabic language. This workshop is suitable for all ages (from 7 to 90 plus!). The Kickoff Workshop will be the basics of Arabic Calligraphy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Advanced Level Workshop: Advanced Roq'a Arabic Script Saturday January 14th - Saturday March 25th Time: From 12 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Students are expected to have completed the Introduction to calligraphy workshop. Students will learn the Roq'a script. Roq'a is often the first font introduced to beginners as it is relatively easier than other sophisticated Arabic calligraphy scripts. Classes consist of 9 weeks plus a final week of working on a project (Total of 10 weeks). There will be no class on Saturday March 18th due to Spring Break. The class will culminate with a project under the teacher supervision. Workshop Cost (10 weeks): Total $176 + Any supply kit Early Bird Discount (up to January 21st): $150 (Enter Promotional Code: EARLYBIRD) Partial Payments: Will be handled at the center, after the minimum down payment of $60 is paid online To register: Please click here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Intermediate Level Workshop: Thuluth Script Saturday January 14th - Saturday March 25th Time: From 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Classes consist of 9 weeks plus a final week of working on a project (Total of 10 weeks). Students will learn the Thuluth script. The class will culminate in a masterpiece project under the teacher supervision. There will be no class on Saturday March 18th due to Spring Break. Workshop Cost (10 weeks): Total $175 + Any supply kit Early Bird Discount (up to January 21): $150 Enter Promotional Code: EARLYBIRD Partial Payments: Will be handled at the center, after the minimum deposit of $60 is paid online To register: Please click here. PLEASE NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO REFUND. LIMITED SPACE- SIGN UP EARLY For more details and to enroll, please contact the ACC at 832-351-3366.     English Classes for Adults دورات لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية   يعلن المركز العربي الأمريكي فى هيوستن عن دورات للكبار لتعلم اللغة الإنجليزية وذلك كل يوم سبت  يقدم البرنامج مستويين: المستوى الأول ، يناسب المبتدئين. المستوى الثانى، يناسب الذين يريدون أن يحسنوا اللغة لهدف العمل أو الدراسة المتقدمة أو بسبب دوافع أخرى مبدئيا، تنعقد المحاضرات مرة واحدة أسبوعيا ، كل يوم سبت من الساعة الواحدة وحتى الساعة الثالثة بعد الظهر وذلك بالنسبة للمستويين . قد تتغير المواعيد أو الأيام الخاصة بالمحاضرات لاحقا ، وذلك سيكون طبقا لطلب الدارسين رسوم الدراسة رمزية وفى المتناول لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى الإتصال برقم: 3366-351-832 أو أرسل استفسارك على البريد الإلكترونى التالي school@acchouston.org للمركز الحق فى إلغاء أى فصل دراسي، إذا كان عدد الدارسين أقل من 8 المركز العربي الأمريكي فى هيوستن 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston, TX 77099   English Classes for Adults at the Arab American Center The Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC) announces resuming English classes for Adults every Saturday. We offer two levels: Level 1 (beginners) suitable for those with no prior formal knowledge of English. Level 2 is appropriate for those seeking to improve on their English for work or school advancement purpose, or for their own self-motivation. Initially, both levels meet weekly at the ACC on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. with the respective teachers. The meeting times could be later changed per the students' request and preferences. The fees are reasonably priced. For more information, please call (832)351-3366 or email school@acchouston.org. The ACC reserves the right to cancel classes if the minimum number of 8 students is not attained. The Arab American Cultural & Community Center in Houston 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston TX 77099 For more information, click here.         February 18-19, 2017  -  10th Annual Bilateral Model Arab League In Partnership with the National Council on U.S. Arab Relations   The Bilateral U.S. – Arab Chamber of Commerce welcomes your participation in the 10th annual Bilateral Model Arab League (MAL) regional conference. Student delegates from various universities across the U.S. will convene and engage in a competitive and simulated dialogue concerning political, social, economic, and cultural affairs to reach consensus and craft solutions to current issues affecting the Arab World.   Model Arab League affords students with leadership development and critical skills including diplomacy, public speaking, policy-making, among others. By passing resolutions, creating alliances, and attaining consensus, students achieve a deeper understanding of Middle Eastern history, culture, policy, and current affairs.   This year’s agenda will focus on a number of timely issues which include the following topics, among many others:   - Examining the progress made in combating illicit trafficking of small arms in the region, and preventing the proliferation of such weapons among extremist groups - Evaluating the League’s role in diplomatically resolving regional conflicts, with particular consideration for the ongoing war in Syria - Discussing ways in which the League can promote women’s involvement in society, including political and civic integration - Exploring alternative and sustainable water resources in lieu of nonrenewable groundwater currently utilized in arid zones in order to meet agricultural and developmental demands - Addressing the benefits and challenging trends associated with migrant workers in the Arab world, particularly regarding citizen unemployment and remittances - Investigating and mitigating current security threats to refugees in official settlements, as well as internally displaced persons in active conflict zones.   Date: February 18-19, 2017 Location: University of Houston Clear Lake, Houston, TX   Register now to reserve the country assignment of your choice. To learn more and/or register, contact us at edu@bilateralchamber.org.   For more information, click here.     February 18, 2017  -  Town Hall Arab Youth Meeting   If you are 18 to 30 years old and of Arab descent, we invite you to attend a Youth town hall meeting at the Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC). This meeting is especially designed to our community youth to:   1) provide a platform for you to share how you envision the center to cater to your age group needs 2) divide attendees into focus groups to brainstorm about ideas for functions and programs you aspire to see along with a plan to execute your vision.   Youth are the future leaders of this community and we want your voice to be heard. You will be entrusted to continue the mission of celebrating our Heritage and sharing it with others and our image as Arabs and strengthen our positive role in society.   Saturday, February 18, 2017 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston, TX 77099   Agenda: from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. We will start at 1 p.m. promptly. 1:00 p.m.: Mingle and Lunch 1:30 p.m.: Town hall meeting and Focus Group 3:30 p.m.: Summary and adjourn   Please invite all your friends and family within this age group. The event is free and open to our youth, but registering your name is required so we can plan for seating and food. A fun prize will be given to the group with most innovative ideas and action plan!   For more details or questions please contact the ACC at 832-351-3366 or email membership@acchouston.org.      February 18, 2017  -  The Post-Malcolm Generation   For more information, click here.     February 17, 2017  -  Love Thy Neighbor Rally in Clear Lake! Date: February 17, 2017 Time: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm   Residents from across the southern suburbs of Houston will be publicly showing our support for our Muslim neighbors and for refugees and immigrants from predominately Muslim countries. Recent efforts to restrict immigration, turn away refugees, and incidents of anti-Muslim violence and harassment make this an important time for us all to come together and let our voices of respect and compassion be heard.   On Friday February 17 at 1:00pm, the Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church in Clear Lake will be welcoming all of our neighbors from every religious tradition, culture and background to gather for a HUGE rally to demonstrate our support for the members of the Clear Lake Islamic Center, their families, and their friends as they arrive for their weekly Friday worship. We’ll gather along the private road (Beacon Street) which leads from El Camino Real to the Islamic Center with signs of support for Muslims and for immigrants and refugees in Houston, across America and around the world.   We invite you to join us in this local, passionate and positive event! This rally will be non-partisan and is aimed at expressing of our shared values of inclusion, compassion and respect for diversity in these challenging and difficult times. It is not a protest but a celebration of the gifts of unity and community. We’ll be rallying and then enjoying snacks and refreshments together with our Muslim friends.   The Rally will take place on Friday February 17 starting at 1:00 at 17503 El Camino Real in Clear Lake (near the big blue water tower off of El Camino Real, just south of Bay Area Boulevard and just north of NASA Road 1). For more information or directions, please visit www.bauuc.org or call 281-488-2001. Come, bring your friends, bring your positive signs of support and love for our neighbors, and help us make a joyful noise as we stand on the side of love together!   For more details, visit http://www.bauuc.org/religious-life/love-thy-neighbor-rally.html.   Organized by Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church.      February 17, 2017  -  Town Hall Forum on Protecting Marginalized Communities The event will be held February 17 at the Eldorado Ballroom (2310 Elgin St.) at 7PM and will include panelists that represent various communities affected by recent executive orders. Free Press Houston will host a town hall forum focused on discussing how marginalized groups can protect themselves and each other given the recent executive measures by Donald Trump. It is our deeply held belief that such marginalized communities as Muslims, the LGBTQIA community, undocumented community, Latinx, African Americans and women are facing a stream of proposed legislation and executive orders that compromise the safety and freedom of these groups and our community. Date: Friday, February 17, 2017 Time: 7 PM - 9 PM Location: Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin St, Houston, Texas 77004   Mission: It is our hope to create an open dialogue within the Greater Houston area where we can meet face-to-face with community leaders/servants as well as learn about resources such as the ACLU, immigration assistance agencies and nonprofit organizations that can work on their behalf. More than anything, we hope to galvanize momentum for regular meet ups and constructive dialogues within and between these groups. Please Note: Free Press Houston is respectfully asking that no one from a political party, large or small, come to the event if they intend to recruit on the behalf of that political party. This will be a space for people to discuss and forge ways to receive protection and community assistance from established organizations and not a place to promote a specific political party. The forum is open to anyone and everyone, however we respectfully ask that members of these groups be given the opportunity to speak first and foremost. We also encourage attendees to network yet ask that you not use this forum as a point for recruitment.   Scheduled Panelists: Ray Hill - Senior Activist Secunda Joseph - Co-Founder and Director of Smart Media and Activism with ImagiNoir / BLMHTX Bryan Parras - Co-Founder of Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (TEJAS) Alexis Melvin - Consultant; Equality and Transgender Rights Activists; Transgender Foundation of America - Member, Board of Directors; Houston Transgender Unity Committee - Chair; Houston GLBT Political Caucus - Member Board of Trustees Maha Khalil - Immigration Lawyer, Modi Law Firm Karen Yesenia Martinex - UH Undocumented Grad Student And more to be announced   Click here for more info.     February 17, 2017  -  The Road Ahead - Fundraiser / Dinner / Guest Speaker   For more information, click here.     February 17, 2017  -  African American Muslims: The Heart of Islam in America   For more information, click here.     February 17, 2017  -  ACC Ladies' Night Out Group At Bait Al-Arab (ACC) Date: Friday, February 17, 2017 Time: From 6-9pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   Valentine Celebration   The ladies at Bait AlArab invite all community ladies to our ladies night gathering for Valentine Celebration on Friday February 17th at 6 pm at the ACC.   Our theme for the month is Love to be loved.   Come join us for a night full of fun and entertainment • All Ladies are welcomed to dress in red or pink. • Comedy night prepare jokes and fun stories to tell and share. • Dance, Games, Raffle Door prize and much more • Bring a Dish to Share • Join us for a questions and answers session about immigration and admission for Refugees with attorneys Wafa Abdin and Jill Yaziji.   Kids between age of 3 and 12 will have to be in a separate room with the babysitter, No exceptions please!  Babysitting will be charged $5.00/child .   The ACC does not bear responsibility for any harm that could happen to your child who is not baby seated.   To book a table for the Bazaar, please contact (832) 351-3366.     February 16, 2017  -  Strategies for Building Mutual Trust and a Better American Future   8:00pm I River Oaks Islamic Center I 3110 Eastside St.   A continuation of the Jewish-Muslim Dialogue Series, Dr. Mahmoud El-Gamal, Rice University Professor of Economics and Statistics, and Rabbi Steven Morgen of Congregation Beth Yeshurun discuss issues holding back positive relations between Jews and Muslims and strategies for overcoming them.   This event is free and open to the public.     February 16, 2017  -  Dinner Dialogue - Exploring Houston's Faiths: A World of Neighbors Date: Thursday, February 16, 2017 Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Location: Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, 3303 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002   If you have any questions about this event, please contact Carol Flores in our Interfaith Relations Department. Carol can be reached at cflores@imgh.org or at 713-533-4909.    For more information, click here.     February 12, 2017  -  Immigrants' Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas   9:30am I St. Philip Presbyterian Church I Room 201   The ACLU of Texas is dedicated to reclaiming constitutional and civil rights for all Texans, regardless of immigration status. Immigrants in Texas contribute to our diversity and enrich our economy, but immigrant communities continue to be profiled, harassed, detained and demonized by extremist politicians and the militarized law enforcement agencies they control. Edgar Saldivar, Senior Staff Attorney for American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, shares his passion to seek justice for the most vulnerable and underserved in our society.   This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, click HERE.      February 12, 2017  -  Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB) “Meet & Greet Social Hour” The Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB) Houston Chapter cordially invite you to “Meet & Greet Social Hour”.   Date: Sunday Feb 12, 2017 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Simone on Sunset, 2418 Sunset Blvd., Houston, TX 77005 Please RSVP no later than 06 Feb 2016 by emailing us at houstonchapter@waaaub.org or texting us at 281-352-5732.   We hope to hear from you and look forward to your active participation.      February 11, 2017  -  Panel Discussion about "Immigration Ban Statement" The Arab American Cultural and Community Center (ACC) is holding a panel of local immigration lawyers and experts to help address our community concerns and help clarify questions in regards to the immigration ban that was put in Effect January 27th.   Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017 Time: 3 p.m. Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston 77099   The panel event is free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend. Our Esteemed Panelist are listed below (in Alphabetical Order) along with their bio:   Wafa Abdin, Esq. Vice President of Immigration and Refugee Services Catholic Charities, Catholic Charities, 2900 Louisiana Street, Houston, TX 77006 Wafa Abdin is Vice President for Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities. She oversees the Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, the largest non-profit provider of immigration legal services for low-income and indigent non-citizens and Refugee Resettlement Program. Ms. Abdin has more than fifteen years of experience in Immigration Law and is a frequent lecturer at Immigration conferences and has also written several articles and papers on Immigration law topics. In recognition of her outstanding work and dedication, Ms. Abdin was awarded the Chrys Dougherty Legal Services Award in 2010 by the Texas State Bar. wabdin@catholiccharities.org  Tel: 713.874.6549 Norma Ayoub Law Firm of Ayoub & Associates, PC, 2323 Voss Road, Suite 545,Houston, Texas 77057 Nermin "Norma" Ayoub has been practicing law for about 18 years. Earlier in her career she handled international corporate matters while working overseas. Upon returning to the United, she opened her own office and has handled strictly immigration matters for the past 16 years. Licensed in Both New York and Texas. Admitted in various appellate courts. She speaks fluent Arabic. www.ayoublaw.com  Tel: 713.532.0110 Nejd Jill Yaziji, Yaziji Law Firm, 1001 Texas Street, Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77002 Attorney Nejd Jill Yaziji has been practicing Immigration & Asylum Law for more than a decade. She represents clients from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Egypt, Ukraine and other countries. She is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, and is Editor-in-Chief of The Houston Lawyer magazine (2016-2017), the official publication of the Houston Bar Association. www.houston-immigrationattorney.com  Tel: 713.481-9490    The panel event is free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend. يعلن المركز العربي الأمريكي عن عقد ندوة والتي ستدار بواسطة محامين متخصصين فى شئوون الهجرة للرد على جميع الإستفسارات والتساؤلات وذلك بشأن التأثيرات والنتائج المترتبة على قرار حظر الهجرة   تنعقد الندوة يوم السبت الموافق الحادي عشر من شهر فبراير / شباط في : المركز العربي الأمريكي فى هيوستن   10555 Stancliff Rd. Houston, TX 77099: العنوان فى تمام الساعة الثالثة بعد الظهر علما بأن الحضور مجانا ومتاح للجميع الراغبين فى الحضور     February 11, 2017  -  Texas Grand Mawlid Alhamdullilah we are pleased to announce that Texas Grand Mawlid is back in 2017! Join us with Imam Khalid Latif and many more great scholars for a gathering of remembrance and praise of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم Please get your tickets soon, as there is limited seating for this years Mawlid! Speakers: Imam Khalid Latif With Nasheeds by: Sidi Muaz al-Nass Date: Saturday, February 11th, 2017 Welcome, Registration & Green Carpet Reception 5:00 PM Maghrib Prayer: 6:15 PM Doors Open: 5:30 PM Do not hesitate in purchasing your tickets as seating will be limited this year! Your ticket fee includes halal dinner and babysitting will definitely be provided! ABOUT THE SPEAKER IMAM KHALID LATIF is a University Chaplain for New York University, Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, and a Chaplain for the NYPD. He is also the co-founder of Honest Chops, the first-ever all-natural/organic halal butcher in NYC, the Muslim Wedding Service, an agency specializing in providing charismatic and inspirational marriage officiants for wedding ceremonies, and a partner in the MKO Group, an investment group that owns and operates multiple Edible Arrangements franchises in Manhattan. He was appointed the first Muslim chaplain at NYU in 2005. He was also appointed the first Muslim chaplain at Princeton University in 2006. Spending a year commuting between these two excellent institutions, he finally decided to commit full-time to New York University's Islamic Center where his position was officially institutionalized in the spring of 2007. Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Other speakers to be confirmed very soon Insha'Allah!            For more information, click here.     February 8, 2017  -  Let's Feed 800! Click here for more details.     February 4, 2017  -  Nutrition and Health Skills Challenge The Houston Muslim Community comes together for a morning of service. In the best of our Islamic tradition we seek to serve the needs of the less fortunate, by providing Exercise and Training through an NFL Skills Challenge, health assessments, charitable smiles, and the hope for a brighter day.   The Youth Football Skills Challenge is a dynamic, 1 day position specific football skills showcase that provides exercise, training tips, and techniques that are extremely valuable in youth athletic endeavors. We will focus on preparing young athletes for the game with comprehensive technique and skills training in a small group setting. Inspired by the NFL combine and collegiate Senior Bowl process, The Youth Football Skills Challenge provides an NFL style combine with position specific drills. Participants will be both boys and girls, ages 7-17.   Participants will be divided into 3 age groups and will compete for prizes in the following events: 40 yard dash, QB distance challenge, QB accuracy challenge, WR catching competition, RB obstacle course, Broad Jump, Three Cone Agility Challenge, Kicking H-O-R-S-E challenge   Health and dental screenings will be offered by the Shifa Clinic and local area Oral Health professionals. Board-certified medical professionals will perform health assessments, including screenings for cholesterol, diabetes risk, blood pressure, weight, and dental health.   Date: February 4, 2017 Time: 7 am - 2 pm Location: Masjid Warithud-deen Mohammed, 6641 Bellfort Avenue, Houston, Texas 77087   Approximately 100 youth and their families are anticipated to participate. Former professional athletes Dennis & Devard Darling, and members of the NFL Players Association – Former Players Chapters are confirmed.             For more information and to register, click here.     February 4, 2017  -  Evening of Empowerment Discussions abound about the social, spiritual, environmental, and economic challenges in these current times. Under these auspices, the “Evening of Empowerment” is a special collective of Spoken Word artists, musicians, and motivational speakers meant to bring clarity to these discussions, through faith and diverse, illuminating discourse. Featuring world class artists such as The Reminders, Amir Sulaiman, and Khalid the Future, this is an evening that will make an impression on the heart and spirit. Imam Wazir Ali will speak to the contribution people of faith can make. All entertainers listed are confirmed.   Date: February 4, 2017 Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Doors Open at 6pm Cost: $50 for Two Events Comedy Show and Evening of Empowerment Venue: WISE, 8800 W Sam Houston Pkwy S #107, Houston, TX 77099             For more information, click here.     February 3, 2017  -  Super Bowl Weekend #NoBanNoWall Protest Friday at 4 PM - 7 PM Westheimer Rd & Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056   Join us on Friday, February 3rd, at 4PM as we make sure our voices are heard in the fight against Islamaphobia, xenophobia and all other bigotry that has recently been not only emboldened but acted upon. All eyes are on Houston this weekend for the big game. We will make sure that the rest of the world knows that the home of this year's Super Bowl is outraged by the recent executive orders barring not only refugees, but even permanent residents of the US from coming home. We hope we can all stand together peacefully as a community in solidarity against the targeting of minority groups in the most diverse country in the world. HOUSTON, STAND UP!             For more information, click here.     February 3, 2017  -  "A Smile is Charity" Interfaith Comedy Kickoff Date: February 3, 2017 Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Doors Open at 6pm Cost: $50 for Two Events Comedy Show and Evening of Empowerment   Venue: WISE, 8800 W Sam Houston Pkwy S #107, Houston, TX 77099   Hands down, it’s the best of Interfaith Comedy. Featuring comedians Marcus Wiley, Joe Recca, Preacher Moss (Allah Made Me Funny), Musa The Comic (BET), and special guest host May May Ali (Muhammad Ali’s Funniest Daughter), we’ve rolled out one of the funniest, family-friendly, non-stop, bust a gut line-ups to ever grace Houston in the name of fellowship. It doesn’t get any better and it won’t get any funnier than this show. All of these artist are confirmed.   Featured Comedians:   Preacher Moss, Comedian Marcus Wiley, Comedian Joe Recca, Comedian Musa The Comic, Comedian May May Ali, Muhammad Ali's Funniest Daughter             For more information, click here.     January 31, 2017  -  Texas Muslim Capitol Day Texas Muslim Capitol Day is an opportunity for community members of all ages to visit the Texas State Capitol in Austin and learn about the political process and civic advocacy.   Attendees will meet with their elected officials. CAIR-Houston will be organizing buses to escort participants to Austin. Lunch will be provided. Scholarships are available based on need. Contact us at mcarroll@cair.com or rnasrullah@cair.com for more information.   Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Time: 9 AM - 4 PM Location: Texas Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701    For more information, visit www.cairhouston.org.     January 31, 2017  -  Bridging the Gender Gap: Female Politicians in Asia and the United States In January 2017, a record number of women will be part of the 115th United States Congress, the legislature of arguably the world’s most powerful country in economic and cultural influence. Approximately one in four Representatives and Senators will be female, including a previously unachieved tally in minority representation. Asia has its own women in power, namely President Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, and Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Although the history of Asian female government leaders is short, they have made a lasting impression on their generation and inspired many others to follow in their paths. Join Asia Society for a discussion on the globe’s most prominent female leaders and the future of women in politics.   Panelists:   Dr. Elora Shehabuddin is Associate Professor of Humanities and Political Science at Rice University Dr. Elizabeth Simas is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston Dr. Hans Stockton is Associate Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and Director of the Center for International Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Houston Moderator: The Honorable Sean Hassan   Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Reception with Light Bites, 7:00 pm Program Location: Asia Society Texas Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd, Houston, Texas 77004    For more information, visit www.cairhouston.org.     January 29, 2017  -  Protest to OPPOSE the Refugee Ban (#2) Protest at Discovery Green to oppose the suspension of the US refugee program and other visa/green card related issues! We will meet at the corner of Austin and Walker streets at 1:00 and split into smaller groups if needed to avoid blocking traffic. Yes there is a Super Bowl event at Discovery Green this weekend. It is free to the public and you can enter with bags and small signs but likely not large signs. Large signs will have to stay outside at the entrances. January 29, 2017 1 PM - 4 PM Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, Texas 77010   For more information, click here.     January 29, 2017  -  Rally Against Hate at IAH Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) - Terminal E 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, Texas 77032 5 PM - 8 PM   Donald Trump has targeted Muslims through a backdoor ban on immigration from specified countries. Americans are rallying across this country to stand up to injustice and to demonstrate that we will not put up with the degradation of American rights in front of our own eyes. When history looks back on this moment- on this weekend following Holocaust Remembrance Day- let the record show that we were there. That Houston was there. That America was there. Meet us at Terminal E, arrivals for action. Carpool or uber if at all possible. If you are attending the Discovery Green event at 1-4, you may be able to easily coordinate rides from that location. Thank you for exercising your rights... and solidarity.   For more information, click here.     Ends January 29, 2017  -  Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait Jan 31, 2015 - Jan 29, 2017   Law Building, Ground Floor, 1001 Bissonnet, Houston   The Museum’s landmark partnership with the Kuwait-based al-Sabah Collection and the cultural institution Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah continues with an expanded installation of Arts of Islamic Lands: Selections from The al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait.   The renowned al-Sabah Collection is one of the greatest privately held collections of Islamic art in the world. The collaboration with the Museum, established in 2012, led to the 2013 Houston debut of 67 objects ranging from carpets and architectural fragments to exquisite ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, scientific instruments, and manuscripts.   This newly expanded installation more than triples the display, increasing the art on view to some 250 works that, together, present an impressive and comprehensive spectrum of Islamic art. Objects from the 8th to 18th centuries—made in North Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, India, the Iberian Peninsula, and Central Asia—demonstrate the development of techniques, craftsmanship, and aesthetics in Islamic visual culture.   Among the highlights are a 16th-century Ottoman Turkish prayer carpet; a glass mosque lamp from 14th-century Cairo; an extraordinary earthenware bowl from 9th-century Iraq that transcends its humble function; early gold jewelry from Afghanistan and Syria; and opulent Mughal jewelry crafted in the refined kundan technique, including a brilliant bird pendant fabricated in late 16th-century India from gold, rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and rock crystals.   For more information, click here.     January 28, 2017  -  Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer Gala   Please Join Friends of Egyptian Children with Cancer for the Annual Fund Raising Banquet        When: Saturday, January 28, 2017 Time: 6 pm - 10:30 pm Location: Double Tree Hilton, Greenway Plaza, Houston, Texas 77046    FECC is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.   For more information, visit www.fecchouston.org.     January 28, 2017  -  Diversity is Destiny: Islam, America and the Road Ahead   Risala Foundation is pleased to host Dalia Mogahed in Houston insha Allah.   As a new President is sworn in on January 20th, Muslims are warily preparing for what happens next. We are all about optimism and action - our faith demands that of us.   Join us for a special event featuring one of the most prominent activists and scholars in our community, discussing the day after - how should we orient ourselves for the years to come, what does research tell us about the factors that have led to this moment and how can we make action our priority - building the bridge to a better future, in sha Allah.   DALIA MOGAHED is a researcher, pollster, author, advisor and consultant who studies Muslim communities.   As director of research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, Dalia Mogahed keeps her finger on the pulse of the Muslim world. She served on Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in 2009, advising the president on how faith-based organizations can help government solve persistent social problems. Mogahed is a former director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, where her surveys of Muslim opinion skewered myths and stereotypes while illuminating the varied attitudes of Muslims toward politics, religion, and gender issues. Her 2008 book with John Esposito, Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think, outlines these surprising findings.    When: Saturday, January 28, 2017 Time: 7 pm Location: ISGH River Oaks Islamic Center, 3110 Eastside St, Houston, Texas 77098      TED Talk: "What Do You Think When You Look at Me?" https://www.ted.com/talks/dalia_mogahed_what_do_you_think_when_you_look_at_me           For more information, click here.     January 28, 2017  -  Qur'an and Science   When: Saturday, January 28, 2017 Time: 7:30 pm Location: MAS Katy Center, 1902 Baker Rd, Houston, TX 77094   Click here for more details.     January 28, 2017  -  سهرة قصائد زجليه Zajal Poetry Night Narrated by Mr. Elias Assaf & Dr. Dima Suki   Music by Mr. Adam Yaqot   Date: Saturday January 28, 2017 Time: 7 PM Location: Fadi’s Banquet Hall, 2000 Hwy 6, Houston, TX 77077   $75 Per Person Available For more information, Please contact Mrs. Maha Barake @ 832-359-0011 mahabarake@yahoo.com OR Mr. Souheil Sean Ghaoui @ 713-412-5440 seanghaoui@comcast.net       January 26, 2017  -  Lunch & Learn: Abdullah Antepli Speaker: Abdullah Antepli Chief Representative of Muslim Affairs, Duke University/Adjunct Faculty of Islamic Studies   Abstract: A lunchtime lecture sponsored by the Program in Jewish Studies. Abdullah Antepli, Senior Fellow, Duke Office of Civic Engagement    Date: January 26, 2017 Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Location: Humanities Building 119, Rice University, Houston   Imam Antepli completed his basic training and education in his native Turkey. From 1996-2003 he worked on a variety of faith-based humanitarian and relief projects in Myanmar (Burma) and Malaysia with the Association of Social and Economic Solidarity with Pacific Countries. He is the founder and executive board member of the Association of College Muslim Chaplains (ACMC) and a board member of the Association for College and University Religious Affairs (ACURA). From 2003 to 2005 he served as the first Muslim chaplain at Wesleyan University. He then moved to Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, where he was the associate director of the Islamic Chaplaincy Program & Interfaith Relations, as well as an adjunct faculty member. He previously served as Duke University first Muslim chaplain from July 2008 to 2014. In his current work at Duke, Antepli engages students, faculty, and staff across and beyond campus through seminars, panels, and other avenues to provide a Muslim voice and perspective to the discussions of faith, spirituality, social justice, and more. Imam Antepli also serves as a faculty member in the Duke Divinity School, teaching a variety of courses on Islam and Muslim cultures. For more information, click here.      January 26, 2017  -  Building Pluralistic and Inclusive States Post-Arab Spring Now in its sixth year, the political and social upheaval triggered by the Arab uprisings shows little sign of abating. U.S. and international policymakers continue to struggle to respond to the turmoil, including state collapse and the rise of radical jihadism in Syria, Iraq and Yemen; the fragmentation of political authority in Libya; faltering transitions in Egypt and Tunisia; and the longer-term economic and political challenges facing oil-rich Arab Gulf states. Political, socio-religious and economic exclusion remain among the most significant catalysts of instability. Grievances that initially triggered the uprisings remain unaddressed, youth are further disenchanted and marginalized, and minority voices remain unheard, as Arab states face the rising tide of radicalism and severe economic crises. The Baker Institute Center for the Middle East, in collaboration with the Carnegie Corporation of New York, hosts a panel of renowned Middle East and North Africa experts to identify effective and sustainable policy options the new U.S. administration may consider to foster more inclusive and pluralistic systems in the region. Date: Thu, Jan. 26, 2017 Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Location: James A. Baker III Hall, Rice University, 6100 Main St., Houston, Texas 77005   Keynote Speaker: Marwan Muasher, Ph.D. Vice President for Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Panelists: Amr Hamzawy, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Mazen Hassan, Ph.D., Professor, Cairo University Valentine Moghadam, Ph.D., Nonresident Fellow, Women's Rights in the Middle East Program, Baker Institute; and Director, Middle East Studies Program, Northeastern University Imad Salamey, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Institute for Social Justice and Conflict Resolution, Lebanese American University Peter Salisbury, Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House Moderated by Hillary Wiesner, Ph.D. Program Director for Transnational Movements, Carnegie Corporation of New York For more information, click here.      January 26, 2017  -  Medea Benjamin & Ann Wright on U.S. Foreign Policy in Trump Administration: What will it be and how will it affect you?   As part of a “Texas Tour,” Medea Benjamin and Ann Wright will speak in Houston. Medea will draw upon her first-hand knowledge of the Middle East to share her insights, and she’ll introduce her latest book, Kingdom of the Unjust; Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection. Ann was recently – once again – captured in international waters and imprisoned by the Israelis while attempting to reach shore on the Women’s Boat to Gaza. She has also traveled to Japan, Korea, Russia, Germany, Greece, and elsewhere this year and can speak on the human and environmental costs of war and militarism around the globe and the possible effects of a Trump administration’s policies on all of us. Medea Benjamin is the co-founder of the women-led peace group CODEPINK and the co-founder of the human rights group Global Exchange. She has been an advocate for social justice for more than 40 years. Described as “one of America’s most committed — and most effective — fighters for human rights” by New York Newsday, and “one of the high profile leaders of the peace movement” by the Los Angeles Times, she was one of 1,000 exemplary women from 140 countries nominated to receive the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the millions of women who do the essential work of peace worldwide. She is the author of nine books, including Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control and Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection, and her articles appear regularly in outlets such as The Huffington Post, Common Dreams, Alternet, The Other Words, and TeleSUR. Ann Wright is a 29-year US Army/Army Reserves veteran, a retired United States Army colonel and retired U.S. State Department official, known for her outspoken opposition to the Iraq War. She received the State Department Award for Heroism in 1997, after helping to evacuate several thousand people during the civil war in Sierra Leone. She is most noted for having been one of three State Department officials to publicly resign in direct protest of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq. Wright was also a passenger on the Challenger 1, which along with the Mavi Marmara, was part of the Gaza flotilla. She served in Nicaragua, Grenada, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Sierra Leone, Micronesia and Mongolia. In December, 2001 she was on the small team that reopened the US Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is the co-author of the book “Dissent: Voices of Conscience.” She has written frequently on rape in the military.   Date: January 26, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Location: Dominican Sisters of Houston Spirituality Center Meeting Room, 6501 Almeda Rd., Houston, 77021   A reception and book signing of Medea Benjamin’s book at 6:30 PM will be followed by their presentations at 7 PM, followed by Q & A and book signing.     January 25, 2017  -  Doctors Without Borders Recruitment Info Session   Put your ideals into practice!   Every day Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) aid workers from around the world provide assistance to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe. Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is recruiting healthcare and non-healthcare professionals of Middle Eastern descent who speak Arabic.   On Thursday, January 25th, medical and non-medical professionals in Houston are invited to join us for an evening presentation to learn more about how you can join Doctors Without Borders’ pool of dedicated aid workers. We’re currently recruiting for a variety of medical and non-medical positions.   Doctors Without Borders recruits: Medical Personnel: physicians, nurses, obstetricians and gynecologists, nurse-midwives and midwives, specialists in infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, TB Operating Room Personnel: surgeons, operating room nurses, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists Para-Medical Personnel: epidemiologists, licensed mental health specialists, pharmacists, laboratory technicians Non-Medical Personnel: general logisticians, specialists in construction, electricity, mechanics, or water/sanitation, financial administrators, human resources administrators   When: Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd, Houston 77099   An aid worker and Field Human Resources Officer will discuss requirements and the application process, and you'll meet experienced Doctors Without Borders aid workers from the area and hear their firsthand stories of "life in the field."           The presentation will last 90 minutes, including Q&A.    For more information and/or to register, click here.    Click here for event flyer.     January 22, 2017  -  3rd Annual Palestinian Culture Night   Join Students for Justice in Palestine at UH as we celebrate traditional Palestinian culture on our 3rd Annual Culture Night! Although Palestinians have faced oppression for decades, the Palestinian culture continues to thrive and we want to celebrate that here in Houston. We will have a DJ playing Arabic music, dinner, speakers, dabke, raffles, and more!   $40 Adult Ticket $25 Student Discount (with I.D.) and Child Ticket $120 Premium Tickets (for 2, see description below) $500 Sponsor Table (for 8, see description below)   Attire is business casual.   Premium ticket purchases (2 tickets) includes front seating and a bottle of Canaan Fair Trade Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.   A sponsor table purchase (seats eight) includes: ten raffle tickets, eight #Coogs4Palestine t-shirts, recognition in our itinerary for the night, and a bottle of Canaan Fair Trade Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. If you purchase a table, please send t-shirt sizes to sjphouston@gmail.com or text (713) 820-0915 If you would like to be a sponsor of this event or make any type of prize donation for our raffle/auction, please contact Auruba Alzibdeh or email sjphouston@gmail.com.  As of now, tickets will NOT be sold at the door. This is for planning purposes and we apologize for any inconvenience. To purchase tickets online, please go to, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-palestinian-culture-night-tickets-30774943685 To purchase tickets with cash or check, please contact Auruba Alzibdeh at (713) 820-0915 1 or email sjphouston@gmail.com  Thank you in advance for joining us! We look forward to seeing you there! #Coogs4Palestine     January 21, 2017  -  Arabian Nights: Young Professionals Syrian Relief Gala   Let's put the fun in fundraising! Join us as we dance the night away in an unprecedented young adult gala! Funds gathered will be delivered through IOCC for afflicted families throughout the region.   Please feel free to invite your friends. EVERYONE is welcome. We can only seat 200 guests. Hope you are one of them!   When: Saturday, January 21, 2017 Time: 8 pm Location: St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 5311 Mercer St, Houston, 77005   Ticket Pricing - includes dinner and entertainment:   Early Bird: $50 **Available only until 12/12/16**, Regular: $60 , At the door: $75 door Table Sponsorships: Silver: $1000, Gold: $1500, Platinum: $2000   Tickets are available at www.iocc.org/ypgala!      For more information, click here.     January 21, 2017  -  "we are in it" Film Screening & Community Discussion about Refugees and Migrants in Houston   Screening and Community Discussion about Refugees and Migrants in Houston   "we are in it" a film by Dr. Yehuda Sharim by The Firestarter Group   We are in it features visceral scenes from the everyday lives of Karla, Serges, Hussein, Nancy and Tutu. For all of them, Houston is their common space of struggle, pleasure, and shelter. For them, Houston is a second, third or even fourth city of residence, both home and metropolis of hostility. Here, they are safe, restless, part of a diaspora that struggles to find meaning beyond labels of foreigner, immigrant, undocumented, alien, and refugee.   Date: Saturday January 21, 2017 Time: 6:00 p.m. Film Screening, 8:00 p.m. Audience Q & A Location: Arab American Cultural & Community Center, 10555 Stancliff Rd., Houston 77099   For more information, click here.     January 21, 2017  -  Judaism & Islam: Building Bridges of Connection and Understanding Rabbi Annie Belford and Dr. Hamed Ghazali will discuss building connections between the Muslim and Jewish communities in the US. Discussion includes ideas on how to move forward toward common goals and objectives that resolve issues faced by both communities.    Talk and Open Q&A with Guest Speakers.    Date: Saturday January 21, 2017 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: MAS Katy Center, 1800 Baker Rd., Housto    Click here for more details/event flyer.     January 15, 2017  -  Evening with Dr. Mohamad Rateb Al Nabulsi   Rahma Relief Foundation invites you to an evening to benefit Syrian children and refugees with the world-renowned scholar, Dr. Mohamad Rateb Al Nabulsi. This is a lecture and fundraiser event.      Date: January 15, 2017 Time: 5 pm Location: Masjid Elfarouq, 1207 Conrad Sauer Dr., Houston 77043   For more information, call 713-465-2020 or 832-817-8498.       For more information, click here.         January 15, 2017  -  Prince Of Egypt: The Journey of Musa (AS)   Join us for our 4th 1-day seminar with Mufti Mohammed Wasim Khan as we cover the story journey of the Prophet that is mentioned over 130 times in the Quran - even more than that of our beloved Prophet Mohammed (s) - the Prophet Musa (as) In the story of the Prophet Musa we will draw inspiration and lessons on being steadfast and patient in the decree of Allah, the value of sacrifice, the love between a family, honesty and piety, the importance of seeking knowledge and much much more! Here is an outline of topics being covered by each hour of the seminar: Session 1- From the dream to the palace Session 2- Exile Session 3 - Return of the Prince Session 4- Exodus Session 5- Musa and Khadir: Where the two oceans meet Session 6- Musa the father of all heavenly religions Join us on Sunday, Jan 15th for this free, family friendly event at your favorite neighborhood Masjid, ISGH River Oaks Islamic Center About the instructor, Mufti Wasim Khan: Mufti Mohammed Wasim Khan was born in Dallas, Texas and began his journey in Islamic knowledge at a very young age. After spending considerable months improving his Quran recitation at Jami’atul ‘Ilm Wal-Huda in UK, Mufti Wasim embarked on a decade-long ‘Aalim training program. After studying in 4 different continents, Mufti Wasim graduated in 2010 from the prestigious Dar-ul-Uloom Zacharriyah University. After this Mufti Wasim stayed for another 2 years at the same university to complete the Iftaah course and for further specialization in the sciences of Hadeeth, Tafseer and Fiqh, fields in which he holds multiple ijazaat in. Mufti Wasim currently holds the second shortest sanad in the world to the Prophet Mohammed (s) through the sanad of Maulana Mekki Hijazi. Amongst his most prominent teachers are Mufti Ridhaa ul Haq, Sheikh Makki Hijazi, Sheikh Shoaib Arnaoot, Sheikh Muhammed Awwamah and Sheikh Mohammed Ali Saabuni. Mufti Wasim is a regular speaker through out North America at conferences, workshops, youth programs and in development programs. In 2015, Mufti Wasim presented his thesis on abortion at the American Muslim Jurist Assembly (AMJA), making him the youngest person to ever present a paper at this prestigious conference. To further his academic interests, Mufti Wasim joined the Insititute of Islamic Education in Illinois as a teacher in 2014. Here he taught Aqeedah, Hadith and Fiqh among other courses full time. Mufti Wasim is currently a part-time Imam at Madrassah Islamiya in Houston and teaches regular Arabic, Tafseer and Hadith classes through-out Houston masajid. He is also part of many other organizations such as such as Darul Hidayah, Children of Adam, Annaseeha and others. He the Director and Dean of ISRA Foundation, an online institution which develops courses and classes for college students and professionals. Also this year, Mufti Wasim organized a national fatwa hotline comprimising multiple scholars. This hotline has allowed for people to text their questions in and get a response within a day. Mufti Wasim also helps run his family business, Caravan Travel through which he takes Hajj and Umrah groups annually.      For more information, click here.         January 15, 2017  -  Church & Society Series: Gifts from Damascus Rice University's Boniuk Institute and St. Philip Presbyterian Church present the Spring 2017 Church and Society Series.   Classical concert guitarist Susan McDonald will discuss her work in cultural diplomacy in the Mideast through Remember the River, the international branch of her non-profit Fine Arts Foundation.   Date: Sunday, January 15, 2017 Time: 9:30am Location: St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Room 201, Houston   Come back at 6:00pm when Ms. McDonald will perform Animal Ballets - Classical Guitar and Film - An evening for the whole family in the St. Philip Presbyterian Church sanctuary.   Susan McDonald has delighted audiences the world over - from community concerts to Carnegie Hall. Her audiences have ranged from Holocaust survivors in a Viennese nursing home to the President of the United States, and her music has been enthusiastically received in concert halls, universities, festivals, elementary schools, hospitals, refugee camps and tiny villages in the Amazon. Susan is a protege of the legendary guitar master Pepe Romero and studied in the University of St. Thomas in Houston, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts in the Canadian Rockies. She tours with Texas Commission on the Arts, Mid-American Arts Alliance and Young Audiences of Houston and has created classical guitar programs for the YES Academies in Iraq and Lebanon and is the Artistic Director and Director of International Programs for Fine Arts Foundation.   Both events are free and open to the public. For additional information on the Church and Society Series at St. Philip Presbyterian Church, click HERE.   Presented by the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance. This event is co-sponsored by St. Philip Presbyterian Church.      For more information, click here.         January 13-16, 2017  -  39th Annual “Original” Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Parade and Holiday Celebration Date: January 13-16, 2017   The annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade hosted by the Black Heritage Society will be held on January 16, 2017.   To inspire, teach, and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the weekend of the federal holiday occurring on the third Monday of each January with commemorative parade and celebratory festive community activities throughout the weekend. The Black Heritage Society has a long history of fighting for equal justice and social accommodations for the rights of all. The Black Heritage Society Organization subscribes to Activism, Advocacy, and Action on behalf of the underprivileged, underserved, and those seeking justice and equality.     For more information, visit http://blackheritagesociety.org/.     January 13, 2017  -  Syria and Iraq: The Age of Revolution   Speaker: Wa'el Alzayat   The global refugee crisis has grabbed the headlines and our collective attention, sympathies, and at times, our fears. This discussion will look into developments in Syria and Iraq that have contributed to this crisis, and assess regional and international efforts to address them.   Date: Friday, January 13, 2017 Time: 12:00pm Location: Rice University, Cohen House   Wa'el Alzayat is Senior Policy Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, and an adjunct professor at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. He focuses on national security, non-proliferation, and humanitarian issues concerning Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. Alzayat previously served at the State Department as a main interlocutor with the Syrian opposition, and in different capacities during Iraqi reconstruction efforts and U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq.   This event is free and open to the public, however seating is limited and reservations are required for this event. REGISTRATION is first-come, first-served.   Presented by the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance. This event is co-sponsored by the City of Houston Mayor's Office.    For more information, click here.

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