From Resistance to Resilience: Empowering Our Future Together
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota — October 18, 2025
CAIR-Minnesota hosted its 18th Annual Banquet at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, activists, educators, families, and supporters from across Minnesota. This year’s theme — “From Resistance to Resilience: Empowering Our Future Together” — reflected a powerful message: that in times of challenge, Minnesota’s Muslim community continues to rise with unity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches, inspiring award recognitions, and an atmosphere of hope for the future. Spotlight Magazine was honored to attend and cover this significant community event.
Honoring Leaders Who Move Justice Forward
CAIR-MN recognized several individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in defending civil rights, empowering marginalized communities, and advocating for justice.
Heart of Justice Award: Alec Shaw, Esq.
CAIR-MN Civil Rights Director
Alec Shaw was honored for his unwavering dedication to protecting the civil rights of Minnesotans. Over the years, he has taken on some of the most challenging discrimination and religious freedom cases, helping families navigate painful moments with compassion and strength.
Alec’s leadership has shaped CAIR-MN’s legal impact statewide. His work continues to inspire hope and serve as a model of courage, humility, and service.
The Pillar of Excellence Award: Balkis Hassan
CAIR-MN Director of Operations and Paralegal
Balkis Hassan, a familiar name in Minnesota community organizing, was celebrated for her eight years of resilience, professionalism, and leadership at CAIR-MN. From supporting legal case management to launching the Awod Center — a major initiative uplifting East African workers — Balkis has been a voice of stability and empowerment for families across the state.
Her dedication to justice, worker rights, and community safety made her one of the most celebrated honorees of the night.
Champion of Justice Award: Minneapolis Federation of Educators, Local 59 (MFT/ESP)
The Minneapolis Federation of Educators was honored for their courageous and principled stance during a critical moment for justice.
Their bold statement condemning the genocide in Gaza set a national example of leadership rooted in moral clarity, integrity, and solidarity.
Their advocacy reminds us that justice requires courage — especially when standing for truth is difficult.
Lifetime Achievement Award for Justice: Jeffrey Hassan
Minnesota Attorney
For over four decades, Jeffrey Hassan has been a trailblazer fighting for equality, fair representation, and community empowerment. As one of Minnesota’s few Black attorneys in the 1970s, he broke barriers, co-founded the Minnesota Minority Lawyers Association, and defended countless individuals facing discrimination.
Within the Muslim community, Jeffrey helped form the Islamic Center of Minnesota (ICM), establishing its bylaws, tax-exempt status, and supporting the development of Masjid An-Nur and Northwest Islamic Center.
His mentorship, wisdom, and lifelong service continue to empower Minnesota’s next generation of Muslim legal professionals.
Powerful Voices: Featured Speakers of the Night
The annual banquet featured a lineup of influential speakers who highlighted the importance of justice, solidarity, and community resilience:
• Taher Herzallah – AMP National
• Zaynab Mohamed – Minnesota State Senator
• Nadia Mohamed – Mayor of St. Louis Park
Omar Fateh – Minnesota State Senator
• Jehad Adwan – Professor, PhD, RN
• Jaylani Hussein – Executive Director, CAIR-Minnesota
• Suleman Adan – CAIR-MN Deputy Director
• Sadia Tarannum – CAIR-MN Board Member & Master of Ceremonies
Their messages centered on unity, advocacy, and amplifying the voices of communities impacted by global injustice — from Gaza to Minneapolis.
A Night Filled With Purpose
The event opened with a beautiful Quran recitation, followed by welcoming remarks from CAIR-MN Board members.
This year’s banquet reminded attendees that justice is not an individual effort but a collective mission.
It showcased:
• The power of legal advocacy
• The courage of educators and organizers
• The leadership of women strengthening community institutions
• The legacy of elders who have paved the way
• The resilience of Minnesota’s Muslim families
Events like this inspire new leaders and reaffirm the community’s commitment to standing together against injustice.
Spotlight Perspective
At Spotlight Magazine, we believe in uplifting stories that reflect the resilience, creativity, and leadership of our community.
The CAIR-Minnesota Annual Banquet represents exactly that — a vision of unity, courage, and progress.
As we celebrate Issue 6 this November, we honor organizations like CAIR-MN and the leaders who dedicate their lives to defending justice for all.
