(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 5/15/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Minnesota), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined the Antiwar Committee and Twin Cities Coalition for Justice for Jamar Clark in condemning the University of Minnesota for canceling an event with Chief Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, grandson of the late Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela, due to threats received.
Mandela was scheduled to speak in Minneapolis on Tuesday, May 16, at Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs – U of MN. University officials told CAIR-MN that the event was cancelled due to security concerns after a threat was issued online.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Because of the cancelation, the event is now planned to be held Tuesday, May 16, 7.p.m., at the CAIR-MN offices, 2511 East Franklin, Minneapolis, Minn.
“Regrettably, the cancelation of the event featuring the grandson of Nelson Mandela is an embarrassment for the University of Minnesota, which possesses the resources needed to protect speakers from such threats,” said CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein. “This unfortunate decision conveys an unwelcoming message and emboldens those who seek to intimidate. However, we take pride in offering our offices as an alternative venue for the event. To ensure the safety of all attendees, we have implemented robust security protocols.”
“The Anti-War Committee is excited to host Mr. Mandela regardless of the U of MN’s unwillingness to honor our rental agreement. Threats from white supremacists are not a reason to deny Minnesotans the opportunity to hear from Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, an elected member of the South African National Assembly, tribal chief of the Mvezo Traditional Council, and grandson of the late Nelson Mandela,” said Meredith Abby of the Anti-War Committee.
BACKGROUNDER:
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Nakba (“Catastrophe” in English), when more than 750,000 Palestinians were ethnically cleansed from their homes on the formation of Israel. Today, there are close to five million Palestinian refugees who continue to demand their Right to Return to the homes and lands from which they were exiled.
To commemorate the Nakba, the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR) and local partners are organizing a U.S. Nakba Day 75 tour, to take place from May 15th – May 20th, 2023, featuring honored guest Chief Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, elected member of the South African National Assembly representing the African National Congress – and grandson of the late Nelson Mandela – as the tour’s keynote speaker.
Yesterday, CAIR called on American officials at the United Nations to take part in events today commemorating the 75th anniversary of the “Nakba.”
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com