"8 CENTURIES OF MUSLIMS IN AMERICA" DRAWS RAVE REVIEWS AT 2009 MUSLIM CONVENTION IN CHICAGO

During Labor Day Weekend, The Mosque Cares hosted it's annual 2009 Muslim Convention in Tinley Park, Illinois. The event, which also featured a special Ramadan session was attended by thousands of Muslims from all around the country. This years convention was the first held since the passing of the communities celebrated leader, Imam W. Deen Mohammed, who returned to Allah almost a year ago.

The highlight of this years convention was a premiere screening of BAIT-CAL Films' new epic documentary “8 CENTURIES OF MUSLIMS IN AMERICA.” The movie detalis the evolution of Muslims in America including the efforts of Imam Mohammed. "This years convention was the perfect venue to screen our picture," said the films Producer, Lon Muqaddin. “Much of the documentary focuses on the community that Imam W. Deen Mohammed led for almost 33 years and BAITCAL has dedicated it to his memory," said Muqaddin.

The story traces the Muslim experience in America from when the first African Muslims arrived in the 14th century, through the slavery era and all the way to the disaster of 9/11. It features appearances by Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Imam Abdul Karim Hasan, Muslim Journal editor, Ayesha K. Mustafaa, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Dr. Ali Masrui, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, Dr. Sulayman Nyang and Imam W. Deen Mohammed.  It also includes press conferences with American Muslims during the Gulf War, and in Gaza with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

The screening, which was held in the main exhibit hall at the Holiday Inn Select Convention Center received a standing ovation and left many of the viewers in tears. "I just thank g-d that our history has been preserved in such a beautiful way," said Bilal Rushdan from Chicago. "I'm taking 5 DVD's home with me and giving them to my non-Muslim family members so they can see for themselves the importance of Islamic history in America.