July 14, 2017 | Latest, Statements
A Successful SMC Eid Picnic
| As-Salaam Alaikum Community Members, Three years ago, leaders and scholars from 15 Shia based organizations came together and planted a critical seed of unity among the followers of Ahlul Beyt by establishing the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC). It was a crucial initiative to support the causes and interest of the community locally and globally. In a short span of three years, SMC has delivered on numerous objectives including organizing and facilitating a Second Annual Eid Picnic on Sunday, July 9, 2017. Despite the sweltering temperatures, more than 600 community members attended throughout the day and celebrated Eid with various centers. This truly multicultural gathering representing all ethnic backgrounds, was matched by the variety of cuisines and refreshments. Popular picnic items like popcorn, cotton candy, soccer, jumpers, and carnival games, were complemented by exotic Henna art work, great raffle prizes and goodie bags for the kids. Numerous vendors were busy selling the latest hijabs, abbayas, dresses, Islamic art, handcrafts, and toys. Several prominent Muslim organizations attended in support including MPAC, UMMA Clinic, Uplift Charity, and World Academy of Development. Noon prayers was led by Sayid Mustafa Al-Qazwini followed by an inspiring speech about the importance of unity. He also motivated the community activists to participate in the upcoming SMC elections in October 2017. Please contact SMC secretary or current leaders if you wish to run for a supportive role of your choice. The picnic was attended by other leaders including the Mayor of Artesia, Ali Sajjad Taj and the Los Angeles Police Department Outreach program. This picnic would not have been so successful without the amazing support of our wonderful community volunteers from so many centers. For more pictures of the picnic, please see the gallery here: http://shiamuslimcouncil.org/?gallery=smc-eid-picnic-2017 Other accomplishments of SMC includes: · Delivered Leadership Development Program to 25 emerging leaders · Launched www.SunniShiaUnity.org globally to educate, create awareness, and support unity. Please visit and add your name if you believe in the value to show your support · Planned voter registration drive to have a bigger voice and impact · Engaged in many unity events including interfaith, intrafaith, picnic, and sports events · Coordinated local moonsighting announcements · Campaigned and issued statements on current local and global events & violence · Supported charity and community needs |
