Excerpt:
Seizing on President Barack Obama's call for a partnership between America and Islam, some of the nation's prominent Muslim leaders will meet in Jackson for a conference they say will begin a dialogue of mutual respect and reconciliation.
"With the new administration, everybody is inspired by the message of hope and change. American Muslims are playing a pivotal role in this relationship and this conference sheds some light on opportunities," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on Islamic-American Relations in Washington.
The conference is sponsored by the International Museum of Muslim Cultures in Jackson, the nation's first museum dedicated to educating visitors about Islamic historical contributions.