“A center for the people by the people”
African Coalition, FBI, Sheriff’s Office, Carson Mayor, The Immigrant Magazine, Consular Corps Representatives, And Community Leaders Celebrate Official Grand Opening of New Center
Magazine, The Immigrant Experience
Athia Carrim
On October 26, 2022, The city of Carson, California welcomed the birth of a new house of worship and community center for its Muslim community. Joining forces with government officials, religious, local community, and civic leaders, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes pledged to build a bridge of support and collaboration at the official opening of the International Institute of Tolerance.
Through their work, Imam Ashraf and his dynamic partner and spouse Athia Carrim also the institute’s Interfaith and Education Director, bring a sense of unity, understanding, and cooperation between the Muslim community and the city of Carson. Known for her leadership and dedication to service, members of the community including Senait Admassu, President of the African Communities Public Health Coalition, shared their excitement
Senait Admassu,
about the value of such a center for all who seek sanctuary as immigrants and also victims of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) whose taskforce Athia Carrim is a member of.
All of these efforts supported by the honorable Imam Ashraf were aptly described as, “a testimony to our Imam’s and Community’s commitment to building a center for the people by the people”. These sentiments shared by Athia Carrim in her opening remarks were validated by many including the Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone, Isatu Timbo who in poetic fashion and chorus gave a litany of examples where in her words, “ITT was there for me”.
The state-of-the-art and modern place of worship was founded on the principle of “Justice and Equality”. Built against the backdrop of 9/11 which led to Muslims feeling targeted and fearful, representatives from the FBI,
The LA Sheriff’s office, the community, and faith leaders shared their hearty congratulations for the monumental achievement, reassuring the community that their presence in Carson was a breath of fresh air.
IIT’s services are religious, charitable, and grounded in the Islamic faith.
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LA Sheriff, FBI , Immigrant Magazine, Isatu Timbo
