IFANCA Joins Muslim Journal in honoring Muhammad Ali in Louisville, KY
(December 17, 2010 -- Louisville, KY...) The Chicago-based Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®) is proud to be co-sponsoring the Seventh Annual Muslim Journal Awards convention, from December 17, to December 19, 2010. This weekend convention will take place in historic, scenic downtown Louisville, Kentucky, and is open to people from all walks for life.
The Seventh Annual Muslim Journal Awards Convention, a celebratory convention, unites American Muslim Families from across the nation. It is intended to applaud the heroes in our midst. A banquet where Muhammad Ali will be honored, a play on Rosa Parks, and a fashion show, are some of the scheduled events. The convention is hosted by Muslim Journal (MJ), a national newspaper that is in its 35th year of continuous weekly publication. An independent voice, MJ finds inspiration in pioneer African American newspapers such as Freedom’s Journal, and The North Star. Today, MJ aims to serve all Americans with a clearer picture and an understanding of Islam.
The theme, A Time to Be Grateful, is a common thread between the various MJ annual awards events. According to MJ Editor, Ayesha K. Mustafaa, “International issues and global concerns often take the lead in headlines and occupy the lives of our readers, but this time of year, every year, Muslim Journal will break to say it is ‘A Time to Be Grateful.’”
Dr. Muhammad Munir Chaudry, President of IFANCA, congratulated Muslim Journal’s staff and awardees. “We are proud to be associated with this thoughtful and beautiful tribute to Americans who have dedicated their lives to serving others. It is wonderful to see platforms that bring American Muslim families together to celebrate life, and gratitude, in an enjoyable, positive environment.”
Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Saffron Road, both IFANCA halal-certified US companies, too are participating with gift certificates, product vouchers and more. These will be presented to honorees and award winners. They reflect the many companies, both global and in the US, who seek to be an everyday part of American Muslim cultural life – whether it’s being present at meals; or celebrating the life of an accomplished and dedicated American Muslim humanitarian, like Muhammad Ali.
The American halal consumer market is the latest hot new specialty food market segment. American Muslims spend approximately $170 billion dollar on consumables yearly. Out of this, $20 billion is estimated to be spent on food. The growing halal consumables market in the US will be a pleasant turn of trends for the average American Muslim. Today, many are exasperated trying to find halal-certified products in grocery store aisles, and often feel like the ‘invisible consumer’. The growing emergence of American halal certified companies, such as Saffron Road, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, amongst others, is proof that the tide is turning.
IFANCA is exhibiting its halal education services from December 17 to December 19, 2010, at the Convention. IFANCA’s onsite Food Technologist will share halal food information and distribute copies of Halal Consumer magazine and Halal Shopping Guides. Attendees can also use social media during the event to tweet questions to IFANCA representatives, who will answer in real time. IFANCA.org is also a frequently sought resource.
IFANCA:
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA®), is one of the world’s leading and well respected not-for-profit halal-certification agencies. Featured in various media such as The Wall Street Journal, Prepared Foods, and CNN, IFANCA has been promoting halal for the past 28 years. IFANCA was recognized in the Best Halal Related Service Provider Award by the Halal Journal at World Halal Forum 2007. IFANCA-certified halal products are sold in nearly every country of the world and cover all food industry categories.
For more information about IFANCA, visit www.ifanca.org.