[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 124 (Friday, September 14, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST CLEVELAND MOSQUE

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th 
anniversary of the First Cleveland Mosque.
   The First Cleveland Mosque was founded in 1937 by Al Hajj Imam Wali 
Akram, and is among the oldest Islamic organizations in the U.S. Imam 
Wali Akram's goal in establishing the mosque was to have a place to 
entertain and educate the Muslim community.
   In 1984, Al Hajj Imam Mahmoud A. Akram took over as the Imam of the 
First Cleveland Masjid and served until 1989. Since 1989, the grandson 
of Imam Wali Akram, Imam Abbas Ahmad, has been leading a congregation 
of hundreds of members. The First Cleveland Mosque embraces and 
propagates the fundamental teachings of Islam through service to the 
community according to the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
   In celebration of the First Cleveland Mosque's 75th anniversary, 
members will gather for a number of events being held on September 14th 
and 15th, 2012. Events include prayer, several speakers, a silent 
auction and a banquet.
   Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in the First Cleveland 
Mosque, as it celebrates 75 years of serving as a place of worship for 
hundreds of Greater Cleveland residents.

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