Chicago Roundup

Locked and Deserted Batting Cages at Warren Park with Gang Graffiti

Chicago; May 03, 2012: Five-Station Batting Cage at Warren Park is deserted and locked while the Park District website is inviting the residents to practice their swings at this location. 

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/batting-cages/

The entrances are locked with rusty chains. There is graffiti on information boards which points to gang activity in the area, while adjacent to these cages,  junior league was being played with young children frequenting the park. 

At an event closer by Senator Ira Silverstein and Alderman Debra Silverstein were informed about this negligence of Park District by this scribe. Both of them took serious notice of this issue and promised to look into the matter as soon as possible.  

East-West Perspectives: “Women and the Arab Spring”- Nimmah Nawwab

Chicago;May 16th,2012: Nimmah Ismail Nawab was the speaker at the East-West Perspectives last month. Hosted by East-West University, it is a monthly lecture series to bring intellectuals from all around the world and from diverse schools of thought. Nimah Nawwab, descended from a long line of Saudi scholars, is an internationally-published best-selling poet, editor, writer, photographer and filmmaker. She is actively involved with women and youth empowerment, earning the title “The Voice for Arab Women and Youth.” Ms. Nawwab is focused on leadership, the arts and humanitarian issues as she seeks to build global bridges of understanding. 

During her presentation she spoke of her experience with women and youth in Saudi Arabia. She shared stories of human sufferings and social taboos from her part of the world. talking about “Arab Spring” she disagreed with the term. Stressing on her disagreement she said it brought lot of suffering and brutality for the common masses. She read poems from her book “Canvas of the Soul” and responded to the questions from the audience.

Earlier Zafar Malik, Dean of Student Affairs, welcomed the guests and introduced the distinguished speaker. 

The Chancellor of East West University, Dr. Wasiullah Khan, was also present at the lecture.  

Warm Farewell to Janab Ubai Bhaisaheb of Dawoodi Bohra Community 

Darien; May 24th,2012: “I am happy that I came to Chicago. I was a New Yorker!.” said Ubai Bhaisaheb Nooruddin, crossing his fingers in a typical American style, getting a burst of laughter from his followers. He further said,”Chicago will always have a prominent place in my heart.” He insisted by saying he mean it. Janab Ubai Bhaisaheb Nooruddin was addressing selected members of Dawoodi Bohra community, Board of Directors of Al-Masjid-al-Badri, Willowbrook, members of Ismaili and other Muslim communities in Chicago, at a farewell dinner hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Zulfi Saylawala. Ubai Bhaisaheb Nooruddin got his double masters from New York. Prior to dedicating his life as a spiritual leader of Dowoodi Bohra community he was an IT Consultant. He took some revolutionary steps during his stay in Chicago which included; opening the doors of the Masjid to other Muslim communities and also to main stream Americans, building a bridge between his community and the government agencies, developing an interactive teaching method for the students learning Qur’an and religion, starting an incentive bound Qur’an memorizing program (taking student groups for flying in twin engine planes and boat rides at the lake to name some). He is a graduate from FBI’s Citizen Academy and hosted seminars and workshops by Department of Homeland Security at the Masjid in Willowbrook. During his stay in Chicago he also completed his training as a pilot. A very humble soft spoken community leader who won the hearts of not only the members of his own community but everyone else who ever came in contact with him. He completed his tenure in Chicago and left for Mumbai where he will take the charge of the largest Dawoodi Bohra mosque in the world. Speaking at the occasion Mr. Noorudding Taj commended the spiritual leader for his dedication and service to his community.  Mr. Sadruddin Noorani submitted appreciation letters to Janab Ubai Bhaisaheb on behalf of the government officials such as City, State and Federal, in which all the government officials appreciated Mr. Ubai Bhaisaheb's contribution to the society and Chicago's Dawoodi Bohra community in particular. Ahmed Abdul Kareem Jangda talked about his association with Obai Bhaisaheb and his experience with him during the classes at FBI’s Citizen Academy. This scribe also appreciated the interfaith initiatives of the respected Imam. Zulfi Saylawala thanked the guests and Obai Bhaisaheb for giving him the honor. 

‘Upwardly Global’ reaching out to South Asians

Chicago; May 29th, 2012: A meeting was held last Tuesday between members of South asian community and representatives of ‘Upwardly Global’ in their downtown office. Nikki Cicerani and Rebecca Tancredi from UG explained how the organization can help immigrant community through their Award-Winning free career services aimed at helping new immigrants in adjusting to the new environment and getting them ready for jobs in their respective fields. They said their program which provides career opportunities for immigrant professionals require the applicants must have permanent work authorization, have at least two years of professional work experience, have a bachelor’s degree or higher from their country of origin, should speak english fluently, have immigrated to the United States within the past 5 years, have already achieved basic financial stability. To apply for this free opportunity one can register through the following website:

   https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/jobseekers/registration.php

Present at this meeting were Navaid Abidi, Muzzammil, Ramzan Dhanji, Dr. Mujahid Ghazi, Tariq Khawaja and Serena Chen Low (Apna Ghar). They appreciated the efforts of Upwardly Global to empower the communities. They discussed various tools to propagate the information in the South Asian Community. Muzzammil, who has gone through the program, talked about his experience with the organization. It was decided that community workshops on resume writing and job interview will be organized with the help of community organizations. 

MEDILL at Northwestern University Highlighted Immigrant Stories and Issues

Evanston; May 30th, 2012:  Students from Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University presented their projects on immigrant communities, during an academic meeting in McCormick Tribune Center(MTC), located at the NW Campus in Evanston. Most of the presentations revolved around Iraqi refugees. Other immigrant communities highlighted were Latino, Filipino, African, Russian, Polish, Lithuanian, Bulgarian, Korean and Pakistani. Students who did the presentations were Julianna Nunez, Kirk Vaclavik, Madeleine May, Alexandra Rudansky, Duraid Kassam, Rebecca Nelson, Jessica Floum, Jan Barkalow, Jen Lazuta, Emmanuel Eklou, Anna Radoff,   Susan Du, Jaclyn Skurie, Lauren Lindstrom, Stephen Boyle, Alice Li, Ryan Holmes and Jordan Wood. The presentations were done in cooperation with ethnic media and community leaders. Representatives from Africa Today, 4News Media(Polish), Al-Moustaqbal(Arab), Draugas(Lithuanian), Reklama(Russian), Extra(Latino), Pinoy Newsmagazine(Filipino), Urdu Times(Pakistani) and Korea Daily News were also present at this academic meeting. Students answered the questions after their presentations. 

Mr. and Mrs. Zafar Malik and Dr. Mujahid Ghazi were also present at this occasion. Alice Li, a student journalist worked on the phenomenon involving the young Pakistani Americans in the Pakistani political movement. She studied Tehreek-e-Insaf and the enthusiasm of youth living in the US supporting Imran Khan and his Movement of Justice.   

Summer Brought Pool and Carom Board to Devon Avenue and IQRA’

By Dr. Mujahid Ghazi

Chicago; June 2nd, 2012: Summer brought a new craze of Pool and Carom Board on Devon Avenue and corporate offices. On the Mohammad Ali Jinnah Way segment of Devon Avenue a new joint, next to Data Darbar Restaurant, is attracting young Hyderabadis to enjoy their state of the art Pool and Carom Board facility. Unlike the expensive clubs with the cover charge and expensive hourly rate, 5-Star Club is providing these healthy sports at a very low cost. This scribe has seen smiles on faces of hardworking immigrant youth after they decide to spend a little leisure time during there hectic work schedule. 

This scribe also visited IQRA’ International Educational Foundation after Friday prayers and was pleasantly surprised to see its Executive Director Dr. Abidullah Ghazi enjoying a game of Carom with other employees. It is part of healthy environment initiative of the organization. This short break after a week’s hard work helps to bring down work related stress. 

5-Star Club and IQRA’ International Educational Foundation are setting up a trend to bring Indo-Pak indoor games to life. There are many stores on Devon Avenue selling Carom Boards, Ludo and other indoor games. It is observed that their sale has gone up during last month. Cricket paraphernalia and equipment are also a hot buy at these stores.