RCC held a demonstration on Devon and Washtenaw in the West Ridge neighborhood in Chicago.
This followed by a march down Devon Ave. The Demonstration was attended by hundreds of people from the surrounding community including many political and community leaders.
Present were Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky of the 9th congressional district, and Illinois State Senator Ram Villivalam of the 8th district. They spoke about the importance of immigration to the US, their support of RCC and the Rohnigya refugees, and important issues in the changing political climate. Professor Azeem Ibrahim, author of “The Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar’s Hidden Genocide” spoke about the current status of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the continuing atrocities in Burma. Khalil Demir, Director of the Zakat Foundation, which sponsors RCC, spoke about the growth of the center, followed by Abdullah Mitchell of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. Young survivors of the genocide also spoke and young children sang and chanted. The event was moderated by Dr. Imran Akbar of the RCC Board.
The event was meant to highlight the continued persecution of the Rohingya in Burma and the lack in progress towards a solution. It was also meant to connect the community with its political community leaders and give them a forum to support the Rohingya peoples. The event was covered by several media outlets including WGN and ABC.
