MARCH 15 DEADLINE FOR STUDENT ENTRIES

The 2020 Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize with SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS is open to all students enrolled at high schools and colleges in the United States. Since 2009, students have written essays. This year, students have the option to write a podcast interview script or an essay to address how Emir Abdelkader’s legacy can be applied today.

Student Scholarship Awards
HIGH SCHOOL (1st Place-$1000; 2nd Place-$750; 3rd Place-$500)
COLLEGE (1st Place-$1500; 2nd Place-$1000; 3rd Place-$750)

New Mentor Award of $300 will be given to the educator who mentors the most student entries meeting all qualifications. To learn more, please visit Become a Mentor.

Admired by President Lincoln, Emir Abdelkader represents a model statesman and humanitarian so important for creating understanding and balance in thinking about critical issues today. In 1883, The New York Times eulogized, “The nobility of his character won him the admiration of the world.”

Exploring Abdelkader’s legacy inspires dialog about Islam, confronting challenges, reconciling differences, creating healthy diversity and fostering respectful engagement between all people, Muslims and non-Muslims.

Entries are due March 15, 2020. Find details at abdelkaderproject.org/student-contest-2020.

Please share contest information, including flyer and poster, with students and educators.

Click here now to register for the contest!

 “Beyond the inspirational nature of his actions, Abdelkader’s tenants should function as a blueprint for human interactions. Abdelkader was a revolutionary. His transcendent and progressive views about religion, about human rights, and about where the two converge still inspire.” James Wendt, Essay Winner 

2019 ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA (ISNA) CONVENTION IN HOUSTON

AEP was part of ISNA’s 2019 Convention in Houston. ISNA promoted Emir Abdelkader as a role model for Muslims and non-Muslims alike while AEP shared opportunities to learn about him. “Inspiring people to make positive change in the community is part of the conference’s purpose,” said Sayyid Syeed, president of ISNA. He continued, “Our partnership is a lifelong partnership and we will not give up until the whole world recognizes the Emir as a hero for humanity and John Kiser as the Saint John with extraordinary saintly dedication to peace building and harmony. Our partnership towards that ambitious goal has just begun.” The Presidential Award presented to John Kiser states, “In honor of John Kiser and his dedication to building bridges of understanding by identifying a hero who is loved by people of all faiths.”

EMIR ABDELKADER: A HERO FOR HUMANITY
ISNA created this short video about the Emir’s life and shared it during ISNACON festivities in Houston.
ABDELKADER INTRODUCED AT SABEEL CENTER
The Sabeel Center in Des Plaines, Illinois, is hosting the exhibit “America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far” through Dec 22, 2019. On October 11, Kathy Garms, AEP Co-Founder, was invited to speak about Emir Abdelkader’s impact in America.

SC Director Rizwan Kadir stated, “We are excited about the Opening Night as we have two wonderful speakers, whose works reflect on the theme of the Exhibit. While Kathy Garms will share what is by now an incredible American Muslim story, Shadab Zeest Hashmi will weave stories of values, cultivated & cherished in Muslim cultures…into core American values.”

ABDELKADER BLOG
AEP’s Blog promotes values of Emir Abdelkader’s legacy to inspire and foster cultural understanding and respect. We are excited to share this on-going endeavor to stay connected with you as we share relevant stories. Here you will find posts by students, educators and guest writers. Our intent is to create dialogue. Please explore the posts on our website. Comments, suggestions, and ideas are always welcome! SIGN-UP FOR AEP NEWS & NOTES
To receive AEP News & Notes directly, visit www.abdelkaderproject.org and sign-up in the right bottom corner. Stay informed of activities, events, and opportunities, along with updates.

VIEW PAST AEP NEWS & NOTES at www.abdelkaderproject.org/aep-news-bulletin

ABDELKADER EDUCATION PROJECT (AEP) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that promotes cultural literacy, civility, and respectful engagement between all people through education and outreach drawing on Emir Abdelkader’s life story and values – courage, integrity, intellect, humility and compassion – that transcend culture and faith traditions.

AEP DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAM FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES are available. Becoming a sponsor demonstrates commitment to education in building cultural understanding and providing global perspectives for educators and students as well as business, social and political leaders of all faiths and cultures. To donate and learn more, please visit our website or contact kathy@abdelkaderproject.org.

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