Rockland Community College (RCC) has been named the recipient of the “Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Award,” receiving books, films and access to online resources about Islamic beliefs and culture. The news was momentous enough to earn a front-page, full-page announcement in the college’s winter newsletter SCENE.
RCC received 25 books, three films and a subscription to Oxford Islamic Studies Online. The Muslim award was created and funded by the federal National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association. Sarah Levy, RCC’s interim library director, said, “The Bookshelf Award is intended as a springboard for dialogue between varying religions and cultures. Our work has just begun as we create programs to promote community discussion and build bridges between diverse cultures and faiths.”
Azeem Farooki, board member and trustee of the Islamic Center of Rockland in Valley Cottage, said, “In these turbulent times, we need resources to build lasting religious, political, economic and social systems. RCC is the right venue to promote interfaith activities in our culturally and religiously diverse country.”
RCC Communications Director Tzipora Reitman noted the grant was consistent with the college’s dedication to pluralism and diversity.