October of Poetry, Charity, & Film...

Dangerous Writings: Aware Poetry in Oppressive States
Friday, October 16, 2009, at 4:00PM
Cafe Paradiso, 45 Palmer St., Lowell, MA

The American Islamic Congress is proud to co-sponsor "Dangerous Writings: Aware Poetry in Oppressive States," a program of the Massachusetts Poetry Festival. In Iran, what is known as “Aware Poetry” has led to arrests, imprisonment, exile, and even the execution of poets. Ala Khaki, a member of AIC's New England Interfaith Council, will read his poems and talk about the threats he faced for his writing. Free and open to the public.

Dignity Restored: An Interfaith Medical Mission to Aid Women in Niger
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at 7:00PM
Boston University School of Management Room 105
595 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA

Co-sponsored by the National Organization of Women, Physicians for Human Rights, Masjid Ar-Rahman, the American Jewish Committee & more

The American Islamic Congress is proud to host Dr. Fatai Ilupeju, a Boston Anesthesiologist and a member of AIC’s New England Council, with other representatives of the International Organization for Women and Development (IOWD). While training local physicians and nurses in West Africa, IOWD has performed over 1,000 surgeries on women suffering from “Vesico-vaginal fistula”. The project's founder Barbara Margolies, a former State Department official, will share firsthand accounts of the organization’s pioneering work. Free and open to the public. For more info, call 617-266-0080 or email events@aicongress.org.

Boston Muslim Film Festival - Reel Life: "Keeping Up with the Muslims"
“Reel Life: Keeping Up with the Muslims,” the fourth installment of the Boston Muslim Film Festival, explores the diversity of Muslim experience through gender, faith, and conflict. This fall’s festival aims to engage the general public through free screenings and discussions with local filmmakers and expert presenters.

"Persepolis"
Thursday, October 22 at 7:00PM
Boston University Photonics Center RM 206
8 St. Mary's St, Boston

Iranian author Marjane Satrapi collaborated to co-write and co-direct this adaptation of her bestselling autobiographical graphic novel. The film details the trials faced by an outspoken Iranian girl who finds her unique attitude and outlook on life repeatedly challenged during the Islamic revolution.

"They Call me Muslim"
Thursday, October 29 at 7:00PM
Linda K. Paresky Conerence Center, Simmons College
300 The Fenway, Boston

In the Western imagination, a Muslim woman in a veil – or hijab – is a symbol of Islamic oppression. But what does it mean for women’s freedom when a democratic country forbids the wearing of the veil? In this provocative documentary, filmmaker Diana Ferrero portrays the struggle of two women – one in France and one in Iran – to express themselves freely.

More screenings to come in November! For more information visit MuslimFilm.org or email info@muslimfilm.org.

Barakat 2nd Annual Walk for Literacy
Saturday, October 24, 2009, registration begins at 9:00AM
Cambridge Common, 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge

The American Islamic Congress is proud to sponsor Barakat's 2nd Annual Walk for Literacy. Come walk with AIC and Barakat to raise awareness and funds to the education of women and children in Sout Asia. Visit Barakat.org to register.