The ISB Cultural Center is indeed...
An opportunity to make history where America's history was shaped
  Boston is known for its revolutionary history, and today, its people and government officials are making history again. For the first time in the history of Islam in America, a city government is working hand in hand with the local Muslim community to help develop an Islamic Center. The Boston Redevelopment Authority has granted the ISB the opportunity to purchase the land for the ISB Cultural Center at a fraction of its market value. In return, the ISB has agreed to provide a variety of educational and cultural programs and services to the local community in Roxbury.
This arrangement presents a unique opportunity for Islam in America. The ISB Cultural Center is being built with the interests of both the Muslim and non-Muslim in mind; its presence will help build bridges between these communities that are long overdue. What's more, this center will be a legacy we leave to our children. Just as Bostonians remember their forefathers in the structures of the Old North Church and Fannueil Hall, future generations of Muslims will look to the ISB Cultural Center as a reminder of those who helped establish the Muslim community in this great city. Let us not forego this tremendous opportunity.
An opportunity to have Islam's first landmark in the City of Landmarks
 Religious architecture has been one of the most important forms of art contributed by Muslims throughout their history. Since Islam frowns upon the portrayal of graven images, Muslims expressed their art, as well as their faith, in the form of majestic and ornately decorated mosques that can still be found throughout the Muslim world. In each new land they encountered, however, Muslims adapted their architecture to the materials and conditions native to the local culture. The 1400 year old model of a mosque therefore took on a dramitically different look in China from its look in Africa, or in the Middle East, or in Spain. Today, Muslims are developing a model of the American mosque. The ISB Cultural Center will mark a major contribution to this new genre.
Given its location in the heart of the city, this architectural achievement will also be a highly visible testimony to the presence of Muslims in Boston. An official from the Boston Redevelopment Authority went as far as to call the proposed building a future "landmark" in its own right, a designation of great distinction in a city that's home to some of America's most important landmarks and historic trails. Some day, visitors to Boston will not feel they have seen the city until they have seen the ISB Cultural Center.
An
opportunity to enrich the culture in the City of Culture
Pointing at drawings of the Islamic Society
of Boston Cultural Center, Mayor Thomas M. Menino addressed a group
of Muslim Business leaders in the greater Boston area at a recent
dinner meeting by saying: "On behalf of all the residents of Boston,
I thank you for this gift."
The meeting was held in January, 2001 by the Islamic Society of Boston
(ISB) at Marriott Copley Hotel to thank the City and the Mayor for
their support and encouragement.
Mr. Menino added that one of the greatest things about living in
Boston is that neighborhoods have personality. "We have the chance
to taste, smell and touch things from every part of the world. We
live in one of the most diverse cities in the country. And our neighborhoods
have a lot to offer. Tonight, we celebrate a new Project that will
do so much to strengthen the neighborhood and show its diversity,"
he said.
"I'm proud that Boston is a place where people of all backgrounds
can live together. And I want to do everything I can to help you
create more opportunities for culture in our city. But I can't do
it alone. I need the help of all our residents, business owners
and community groups to help me build a stronger, better Boston,"
the Mayor added.
An opportunity to
create the proper environment for the study of the Islamic way of
life
 As Islam
and Muslims become a topic of increased interest, the ISB Cultural Center
will provide opportunities for Muslims to speak out on their own behalf about
their beliefs and traditions. The ISBCC Library will be a resource for
anyone wanting to obtain information about Islam or the Muslim world. In
addition, the ISB Cultural Center will contribute to the enhancement of
knowledge of all types by offering a lecture series at Roxbury Community College
and by donating books to the RCC library. By doing so, we will live out the
Islamic tradition of intellectual inquiry by providing a means for all members
of the community to learn and expand their knowledge of the world.
An opportunity for
"a Muslim Partnership Towards a Better Boston for all"
As part of our agreement with
the City of Boston, the ISB Cultural Center has taken on the responsibility
of maintaining two parks adjacent to the project site. We are optimistic that
this will set the trend for all Muslims to contribute to the neighborhood in
a variety of ways. In the summer of 2004, for example, the ISB sponsored three
cleanup days at Jeep Jones Park, and in April, 2005, seven Muslim physicians agreed
to volunteer their services at the nearby Whittier Street Health Center. God
willing, many more engagements of this type will follow in the coming months
and years, which will help Muslims live out the teachings of Islam, and will
also contribute to the well-being of the larger community.
This indeed is a priceless opportunity for every Muslim, male or
female, to become an active partner with the community in improving
life for other people. This helps us fulfill a religious obligation.
OK! I'm convinced! How can I help?
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