Mayor Cicilline’s Office and the Office of the Director of Law Enforcement and Counter Terrorism-US Department of Justice (Mr. John Enright) have asked to meet with the leaders of the Muslim Community in Rhode. Mr. Enright indicated that he wishes to invite representatives from FBI and INS to the meeting. He indicated that the objective is to know the leaders of our Muslim community and offer a communication channel for the Muslims to introduce them selves and to discuss any concerns that the Muslim community has at these difficult times. These requests were received by Br. Farid Ansari about mid February, (before Hajj) and were forwarded to RICMA to facilitate these meetings.

RICMA contacted all leaders of Al-Kareem, Al-Islam, Al-Rahman, Al-Hoda, Zumratul-Jannah, Ar-Razzak, The Muslim American Dawa Center, Southern RI Islamic Society, and the Muslim Heritage Council (communiqué 1-dated 23 February 2003 and communiqué 2-dated 4 March 2003). The leaders met together two times (8 March 2003 and 15 March 2003) to prepare for meeting with the authorities, and minutes were communicated between all.

NOTE: Minutes of any of the above meetings can be emailed to anyone from the Muslim Community upon request from RICMA.

17 March 2003 (3:30-4:30PM) at the City Hall, Providence, RI

Mayor Delegation: Mayor Cicilline, his Chief of Staff, and the Providence Police Chief.

Muslim Delegation: Brs. Wali Bey (Zumratul-Jannah), Farid Ansari (Muslim American Dawah Center), Abdul-Hameed (Islamic Center of RI), Lamin Sarr (RI Internation Institute-concerned citizen), Shakeeb Syed (Pakistani Association), and Siss. Na’ima Ansari and Persis Stauton (Muslim American Dawah Center), and Jennah Ead (RI Council for Muslim Advancement).

Salient Points of the meeting:

• The Mayor and the Police Chief objective is to convey the message to Rhode Islanders that “Hate Crimes” directed against Muslims, will NOT be tolerated, Muslim “Civil Rights” will be protected, and serious actions would be taken against those who “violate” pertinent laws.
• Providence Police will continue to receive “Sensitivity Training”, to educate themselves and the “Public”, about the “Civil Rights” of Muslims, and to do everything “possible” to protect ALL Rhode Islanders from “Hate Crimes”.
• The Muslim delegation indicated the need to: 1) educate school children and the public about Islam and Muslims, (2) Increased security for Mosques and Islamic Centers, (3) Educate the public about the severity of hate crimes against Muslims, (4) reduce parking tickets during Jummah prayer at masjids (except Hydrants, No-Parking signs, driveways).
• The Mayor indicated his willingness to visit Islamic Institutions in RI to meet with the Muslim Community and show his support for them.
• A Muslim liaison will convey concerns of the Muslim community to State Authority on a regular basis.