The Ismaili Council for the Southeastern USA participated in the 2020 National Faith and Blue Weekend, an initiative co-convened by Movement Forward, Inc. (a bridge-building, solutions-focused human and civil rights organization based in Atlanta), and the US Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services. The initiative is supported by nearly every major law enforcement organization across the United States.

The purpose of the initiative, which was launched this year, is based on the premise that communities are stronger and safer when residents and law enforcement connect on shared values, hopes, and dreams. These connections are built through hosting events across the United States with the objective of building mutual understanding and respect for “the other,” thereby benefiting the entire community.

Melody Maddox, Sheriff of Dekalb County in Georgia, hosted the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern USA in a virtual community forum. The event kicked off with Salima Jaffer, President of the Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States, congratulating Sheriff Maddox on being the first female sheriff of Dekalb County.

“I’m honored for this partnership,” said Sheriff Maddox. “It’s amazing to me to see different cultures and learn from each other.” The event continued with Imtiyaz Isani, Mukhisaheb of Atlanta Headquarters Jamatkhana, sharing his gratitude for Sheriff Maddox’s presence and support to build bridges with communities. A shared ethic that emerged from the event was that of inclusiveness and service. “Anytime you need something, feel free to call and rely on the Ismaili volunteers,” said Mukhisaheb Isani.

Rozina Merchant, Chairperson of the Council’s Youth and Sports Board, provided the background of the Ismaili Community Engaged in Responsible Volunteering (I-CERV) organization and its impact on local communities.

A congenial moment in the virtual event was when Sheriff Maddox and the community safety lead, Rafiq Reimoo, connected on the importance of community safety. “We want to bridge peace for the betterment of all of us,” said Sheriff Maddox. She added, “We have to come together and understand each other to build a better quality of life for everyone in the community.”

Sheriff Maddox continued to share her vision for Dekalb County, one of the most populous counties in the state. “My vision is to be the model agency in the nation for justice reform,” she explained. “We appreciate each other for who we are. Not to be judged by the color of our skin or our religion, but by our character and our ability to be the citizens we know we are. I am here for you all,” she concluded.

This forum served its purpose of engaging and building trust and a relationship to discuss shared values, hopes, and dreams.