Southeastern US
United Nations of Play Showcases Al-Azhar Park and Egypt Exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
United Nations of Play Showcases Al-Azhar Park and Egypt Exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta
19 July 2019
Families from all across Atlanta and the US visited the Children’s Museum of Atlanta for the Museum’s first-ever United Nations of Play. This day-long event immersed visitors in exhibitions from a number of countries, such as Egypt, India, Peru, Senegal, and others, highlighting diverse cultural and historical traditions and exposing young minds to international cultures through play. The Ismaili Council for the Southeastern United States was among the Museum’s partners for the inaugural event, strengthening its existing five-year collaborative partnership.
Celebrating Common Values and Discovering Beauty in Harmony at Atlanta’s Inaugural Day of Religious Pluralism
19 May 2019
The members of the Atlanta City Council issued an official Proclamation and joined “faith, community and civic leaders to affirm (our) shared, cherished values of dignity, unity, respect, and compassion for our fellow human beings,” thereby endorsing April 4, 2019, as Atlanta’s inaugural Day of Religious Pluralism.
The Breadwinner Returns in Recognition of International Women’s Day
5 May 2019
Storytelling has long been used as a means to share traditions, preserve culture, educate and instill values, even before the advent of writing. Whether through gestures, expressions, music or dance, various forms of oral storytelling have been used historically by families and communities.
Georgia State Capitol Welcomes the Historic Cities Exhibition in Celebration of Navroz
20 April 2019
The Georgia State Capitol is one of forty-three National Historic Landmarks in Georgia. It has been the seat of state government since 1889. It has great architectural significance and is also a symbol of Georgia’s history and politics. Described by William R. Mitchell, Jr., former director of the Georgia Historic Sites Survey, as “a monumentally classical-domed and columned structure with a convincing atmosphere of architectural purity and design integrity,” the Capitol was the ideal setting for the celebration of Navroz and viewing of the exhibit, Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme (AKHCP): Transforming Cities, Transforming Lives.
Bringing Hope to Pakistan’s Street Children
14 April 2019
"There are those...who enter the world in such poverty that they are deprived of both the means and the motivation to improve their lot. Unless these unfortunates can be touched with the spark which ignites the spirit of individual enterprise and determination, they will only sink back into renewed apathy, degradation and despair. It is for us, who are more fortunate, to provide that spark.” -Mawlana Hazar Imam, at the Inauguration of the Aga Khan Baug, Versova, India, January 17, 1983
Ivy League Connect: Alumni Inspire Youth to Reach for Excellence in Education
24 March 2019
For most, education is still a foundation of future success hence the emphasis on a quality education and excellence by Mawlana Hazar Imam. For those who can gain admission and afford the tuition, the group of eight prestigious institutions comprising the Ivy League represent some of the oldest and highest quality targets for higher education in America. Although many other colleges also offer excellent education and academic rigor at substantially less cost, many families consider an Ivy League education an unparalleled opportunity to be surrounded by some of the most academically gifted students and professors.
The Ismaili Jamatkhana, Atlanta
1 March 2019
With the increased arrival of Ismailis into Atlanta in the 1980s, there was a need for a larger permanent building for the community's spiritual and social needs. The Atlanta Ismaili Jamatkhana, located in Decatur, opened in February 1989 as the first purpose-built Ismaili Jamatkhana in the United States.
Community, Prayer, and Knowledge: Bible Study Students Visit the Ismaili Jamatkhana
8 February 2019
One hundred seventh-grade students from the Westminster Schools, an independent co-educational Christian day school, took a field trip last November to the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Norcross. As part of their World Religions curriculum, the students explored the Jamatkhana space used for worship and contemplation, and they engaged in group activities to discuss significant aspects of Islam.
Readers Embark on Journey to Medieval Islamic Spain
3 February 2019
“The morning is crisp, the sun’s rays angular and sharp. The sky is an effervescent azure, a crystalline blue so piercing that an apology for such an unabashed celebration of splendor might be in order.”
Book-lovers and history buffs alike were transported to the world of medieval Islamic Spain as they gathered at the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Atlanta for the launch of Dr. John D. Cressler’s historical romance novel, Fortune’s Lament, set against the backdrop of Granada’s Alhambra Palace. The book is the third release in Cressler’s "Anthems of al-Andalus" series, which centers around love stories with a strong, interfaith theme, during pivotal historical events in Spain.
Emerging Leaders Recognized for Making a Difference
19 January 2019
Agile, talented professionals who engage with their communities are celebrated globally for their accomplishments. The 40 Under 40 award provides a platform for recognition of these young men and women who are making an incredible difference in their communities, cities and beyond. This platform is utilized by various distinguished institutions, be it academic in nature, financial or with a commitment to civic engagement. The last two years have seen five individuals from the Atlanta Jamat honored as proud recipients of this coveted award.
Nonpartisan Candidate Forum encourages dialogue and civic engagement
25 December 2018
Nine days before the 2018 midterm elections, the Ismaili Jamatkhana in Norcross, Georgia, hosted a Nonpartisan Candidate Forum for Georgia House of Representatives and State Senate candidates. Sixteen candidates, equally representing the Republican and Democratic parties, shared their viewpoints with over 200 attendees from the wider community. The candidates represented the northern suburbs of metro-Atlanta in Gwinnett and Fulton Counties.
An Ismaili teen shares knowledge and serves peers across the globe
1 December 2018
A junior in high school, Insha Merchant has been blessed with experiences that would be the envy of students her age.
In the summer of 2017, Insha participated in Global Encounters, the international service and leadership development camp that annually brings together Ismaili youth from multiple countries and diverse cultures. Although she would be one of the 720 participants since its inception in 2012, hers would be the first camp to be based in Pakistan. As part of the camp, Insha had the opportunity to spend a week in the beautiful and pristine Gilgit and Hunza in Northern Pakistan.
