Local Detroit community activists Najah Bazzy and Dr. Sherman Jackson were honored at the ISNA Diversity Forum on Sat, Jan 15th for their exemplary contributions to the community. The two were both presented with the ISNA community service award during the Saturday night banquet for their their commitment to service, diversity, bridge building, and the local community.
Najah Bazzy, registered nurse and CEO of Diversity Specialists and Transcultural Health Care Solutions utilizes her role as a nurse consultant to help her colleagues better understand their Muslim patients and how to best serve them.
She is also the executive director and founder of Zaman International, a humanitarian nonprofit that provides critical services, such as refugee support, a mobile food pantry, international clean well project, and crisis assistance to the Detroit and international communities.
"Bazzy has committed her life to the service of others, as a nurse and as a leader in her community. She is a wonderful example of the kind of female leadership and role models we hope our youth will model their lives after and draw inspiration from in the process," said ISNA Foundation Director Ahmed ElHattab.
Dr. Jackson is a well known scholar on issues of race and diversity, spending his life working with the Detroit and other local communities to overcome racial and sectarian divisions.
Dr. Jackson is both co-founder and primary instructor of the American Learning Institute for Muslims (ALIM), as well as a member of its Board of Trustees and previously served on the North American Fiqh Council. He is also a Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Visiting Professor of Law, and Professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Michigan.
"Dr. Jackson is a well respected activist and leader within the Detroit community and the larger national community. It was only fitting that he receive his award during the ISNA Diversity Forum, as he has worked as an activist, educator, and community leader for decades to bridge the gap between the different Muslim communities of America," added ElHattab.