Excerpt:
Thousands of Muslims from across the U.S. are headed to Detroit this weekend for one of the biggest Islamic conventions in North America, a four-day event at which they will discuss the future of their community and faith in America.
Kicking off Friday, the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) has already stoked controversy, drawing attacks from some conservatives who say the event is organized by an extremist group with ties to terror organizations — a claim strongly rejected by ISNA.
Former President Jimmy Carter and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder are among the speakers, both of whom have drawn criticism for agreeing to appear at the convention, being held at Cobo Center.