Imam Talib Shareef (L) of Washington, D.C.'s Masjid Muhammad, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, with Paul Monteiro of the White House Office of Public Engagement, and Imam Earl El-Amin of the Muslim Community Cultural Center of Baltimore. Monteiro spoke during the banquet and public address at The Mosque Cares' 2011 Annual Muslim Convention in Tinsley Park, IL. (Also see previous post.)

Three generations of Muslim Americans: Imam Benjamin Shabazz (L) of the Seattle, WA Al Islam Center with his son and grandson during the Father/Son Breakfast.

More scenes:

Nur-Deen-Haj (L) and Osie-Sheik Muhammad (Muslim American pioneers also featured in the previous post) were among the dozens of U.S. military veterans honored during the 2011 Annual Muslim Convention hosted by The Mosque Cares, Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

— C.B. Hanif

(L-R): Imams Yusuf Ramadan, Faheem Shuaibe and C.B. Hanif, among others at the 2011 Ramadan Session.

After all these years I shouldn’t have been surprised at how beautiful everyone looked during the 2011 Ramadan Session, hosted by The Mosques Cares Ministry of Imam W. Deen Mohammed last weekend in Elizabeth, NJ.

Of course, almost to a man and woman, we all were fasting for G-d’s sake. Still I was surprised that everyone seemed to be glowing.

So much for the question of why continue to have the Ramadan Sessions if our dear departed Imam W. Deen Mohammed, leader of the largest community of Muslims in the United States, no longer can be present to share his wisdom, as he did for us for so more than three decades. In fact the Imam was present — in part because we were, whether from California to Connecticut, Ohio to Florida.

Wallace D. Mohammed II, president of The Mosque Cares, affirmed his commitment to continue furthering his father’s work. Imam Kareem Muhammad (L) was a 2011 co-chair.

From the very first session, presented by Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad, ’til the very last with Imam Faheem Shuaibe, and the other outstanding presenters in between such as Imams W. Deen Shareef and Earl El-Amin, right up to the Taraweh prayers each evening, there was wealth on which to reflect for every student of “Our Imam.”

But don’t just take my word for it. Get the CDs or DVDs. If a link for them becomes available, I plan to post it here. Meanwhile, once again as part of the continuing effort here to help chronicle this community, more scenes:

Ramadan Session 2011 Co-Chair Sutanah Whitfield announcing updates on the annual Islamic Convention, also hosted by The Mosque Cares each Labor Day weekend, again in Chicago, IL this year where an even larger gathering is expected.

— C.B. Hanif

In actuality I deserve none of the thanks here. It started with a kind note from one good man to another:

From: Nathan Wilson <Nathan@fccshelby.org>
To: Michael Saahir <saahir@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thu, August 18, 2011 1:24:13 PM
Subject: Please tell me what you think

Michael,

That article (see here and here) next was forwarded to me and others by Imam Mikal Saahir, my good friend and fellow student of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, with the note:

May the Peace that only G_d (Allah) can give be with you!  From Michael “Mikal” Saahir 

I in turn forwarded all that to my interfaith e-list. Soon, appreciation for Rev. Wilson began pouring in, as folks copied me their messages to him. I decided to archive some here, unedited (see below). But first, this addendum from Imam Saahir:

Here are the comments that reached me:

———

I am so inspired by your article and more so by your courage to break the traditional interest-based boundaries that separate the human race. This Ramadan you and your family is in my prayers. Thank you for being unbiased and openminded. — Afifa

———

———

DEAR REV NATHAN. MAY OUR LORD CREATOR OR THE HUMAN FAMILY KEEP BLESSING AND REWARD YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK. AS SALAAM ALAIKUM — ABDUL KARIM ALI

———

———

Excellent!   We need this sort of interactive communication to make this a better world.   Best wishes for continued success in all your efforts. —  Hope P. Cramer

———

———

Thanks for sharing.  The info is enlightening. — Rose Ann

———

Thank you Rev. Wilson for the enlightening article, that CB Hanif forwarded to me, about Ramadan and the true Muslim’s love of peace, which is really another word for Islam. It is so much more effective coming from a Christian, and a priest at that. The use of your personal experience with the Muslim hiker, told simply but elegantly, made your comment worth its weight in gold. We need more like you to spread the message of peace. It is only through understanding responses like yours that we can overcome the hatred of those misguided 9/11 zealots and their counterparts in our own American society. My sincere thanks and congratulations. My God bless you. It is fpeople like you — Jews, Christians and Sabians — people who have “faith and do good deeds” that the Quran says “have nothing to fear in the hereafter.” — Gholam 

And last, my thanks to our Maker for Rev. Wilson, and for all of you.

— C.B. Hanif 

Last night was an awesome evening of excellence and elegance, as a galaxy of friends and admirers gathered for an appreciation banquet in well-earned recognition of the longstanding contributions and sacrifices of Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad, his wife Haleema and their family.

Not many families can boast of mother-and-daughter doctors — much less such a pair who also are among the most humble of human beings.

But that’s also a reflection on “Imam Nasir,” the leader of Miami’s Masjid Al-Ansar, and the beloved brother, friend and teacher of countless Muslims and others from here in the  South Florida to around the world. As much as he abhors attention on himself, the evening was an opportunity to show our love. And so he submitted.

Appreciation abounds for the tireless work of Hanan Ali, who with her husband Harold and their family led the charge in pulling the evening together, along with their Masjid Al-Ansar team. Getting the word out so broadly — thus ensuring a capacity crowd — while keeping the evening a surprise for Imam Nasir (who thought he was heading to another interfaith meeting), was a major feat.

Appreciation too to Imam Fred Nuriddin, another longtime Masjid Al-Ansar leader who along with is wife Debra helped make the mosque such a venerated South Florida institution.

The elegant evening at the Signature Grand in Davie included fine dining, time for prayer (naturally), and another amazing jazz band performance led by composer / arranger / producer / trumpeter and Florida Memorial University music professor Melton Mustafa.

We even learned a few new things about our dear Imam Nasir during Imam Qasim Ahmed’s stirring keynote.

Among fellow imams  trekking to the event were Baltimore’s Imam Earl El-Amin and Houston’s Imam Eugene Farooq. Imam Mikal Saahir of Indianapolis, IN, signed copies of his newly released book The Honorable Elijah Muhammad: The Man Behind the Men. (An outstanding piece of scholarship, I can say, having served as one of its editors.)

Once again, Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad has cemented and invigorated our local, statewide and national community, simply being himself.

It goes without saying that countless more of his friends, students and admirers wanted to be present last night. For those and others, we hope to follow with more photos. Meanwhile, perhaps the scenes above and below will convey some of the flavor and spirit.

(I tried scanning the program, which depending on your browser should be clickable to enlarge.)

More scenes:

— C.B. Hanif

For me, the most enduring image from the 25^th Annual New Medinah Islamic Retreat was the youngsters, blissfully enjoying the sun and fun, engrossed in their safe, stimulating, loving-and-learning environment. It was a reminder of times gone by, when elders provided the same for us — who now have a responsibility to do even more for the generations to come.

Yet the contented youths were among many memorable images from  this 120-acre educational, agricultural and farming community in Southwest Mississippi, founded in 1987 by Muslim American students of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed.

I’d heard much regarding the vision, commitment and diligence with which New Medinah’s hard workers were establishing the rational spirituality and model community life for which our Creator made us, and to which our late leader Imam Mohammed pointed us. (See backgrounders here, here, here, here and here).

But during New Medinah’s 25^th Anniversary Celebration, May 27-29, with the theme, “All ‘Roots’ Lead to Education,” I saw for myself the land, the wonderful spirit and why all the kudos.

For the youngsters were the hay rides, horseback riding, water slide, story telling, bonfires and kosher marshmallow roasts, swimming, sports, games, Children’s Village, jump house, youth workshops and youth social.

For all, there was the Friday congregational prayer. Three days of presentations by some of the world’s most knowledgeable and insightful imams. Family breakfasts and luncheons. An inspirational banquet, with live entertainment.

For visitors choosing to forgo a hotel room, there was room to pitch a tent under the stars. Or roll in an RV.

And much more:

A Grand Bazaar featured outstanding food and merchandise — including honey from New Medina bees.

There was the groundbreaking for the W.D. Mohammed Boarding School. And the dedication of Ayesha K. Mustafaa Road, honoring the tireless editor of our international weekly Muslim Journal.

Plus, ladies’ sessions on “Hajj — Journey of a Lifetime,” and a “Healing Circle.” A talent/fashion show. A singles social & workshop. The “New Medinah Games.”

There was our meeting of the Southern Association of Masajid and Centers, comprised of my fellow imams and others in positions of leadership in our communities.

Also, a special business session. And a meeing of the Muslim American Veterans Association (MAVA).

As always, I learned much to take home from our sessions, and from conversations with our community’s pioneers.

There also was time for private conversations with the Divine, while strolling the rolling land that echoed its past even as it fulfils the Almighty’s promise for the future.

In between were scenes such as the med-school bound college ladies receiving encouragement from our beloved Imam Dr. Nasir Ahmad of Miami’s Masjid Al-Ansar — one of whose own daughters recently completed her medical school training.

There were second-, third- and fourth-generation Muslim teens…

… Little ones cozy in their mothers’ arms …

… and young adults born into or new to our balanced Muslim community.

Long-timers told me New Medinah’s inaugural celebration featured fields full of tents. Today there are Masjid Al-Halim, the Dr. Rashad Ali Community Center and other sturdy buildings.

Thus I thank our Maker — “The One Who takes you from nothing, and brings you to maturity,” as one imam put it — for the organizational diligence and hospitality provided by Imam Alvin Shareef, his wife Rosa and the New Medinah team.

This was the most time I’ve spent in Mississippi. Given the historical legacy, it was a revelation. I’m not ready to pick up and move. Not yet. But G-d willing, my wife and I plan to be regulars in New Medinah each year.

More scenes:

— C.B. Hanif

Our annual trek to visit my wife’s family in Memphis has been tempered by her dad’s illness, though his spirit is ever good. Meanwhile another joy continues better than ever: the city of Memphis’ annual salute to its Muslim community.

Masjid Al-Mu’Minun is in its ninth year of spearheading this monthlong series of “Muslims in Memphis” activities. They peak with the “Slammin’ Jammin’ Finale” weekend whose highlight is the banquet at which I sit as I write. This always wonderful evening will conclude with many of the Muslims and non-Muslims, family and friends on the dance floor. (No, these Muslims are not too holy for the Electric Slide.)

Not only do my wife and I plan our annual trek to coincide with this weekend. So do Masjid Al-Mu’Minun’s friends and family from around the country, as well as the Southern Association of Masajid and Centers, an organization of my fellow imams and others in positions of leadership in our communities. Our SAMC meeting earlier today included another excellent session by Imam Qasim Ahmed, an internationally noted scholar of Arabic from our community. We heard too from the Coalition for Good Government.

But this is not the time for me to wax at length on “Muslims in Memphis.” For now we pray the Almighty’s Peace and Blessings upon the outstanding work being done here by the Masjid Al-Mu-Minun team.

More MIM scenes:

— C.B. Hanif

“With reference to a saying of the Holy Prophet, your Imam calls attention to the fact that Muslims are to contribute to the wholesomeness of Christian religious holiday festivals. An indication of the Muslim role in promoting respect for wholesome and sacred celebrations is found in the teaching of Prophet Muhammed, which prohibits arbitrary fasting during the holidays of people of the Book. The purpose serves to preserve and to promote solemn respect for G-d and for the sacred devotion of all people.”

My thoughts in that spirit, in my latest Florida Weekly commentary:

“We need no labels to reflect on traditions, values at Christmas“

The column’s here. See the entire digital edition here. Or keep reading:

Amid all the joys of Christmas, most folks find time for reflection, if only for a moment, seeking meaning in the holiday season. So, dare I wade into the social and political swamp of (yikes!) “meaning” in this winter holiday season?

You betcha. Because despite rampant commercialism, Christmas is a spiritual commemoration of the miracle birth of Christ Jesus, peace be upon him, and of that great teacher’s way of bringing the light into the world.

Of course, a lot of folks these days are scared of spiritual. That’s largely due to the tumult throughout history and throughout the world in the name of spiritual.

Yet the horrors that have been done in Jesus’ name — and those of many other great lights throughout the ages — hardly are representative of them. It’s worth noting that the Bible-totin’, cross-burning Ku Klux Klan and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. both claimed guidance from the same holy book.

One result today is that people increasingly aren’t inclined to consider themselves aligned with any particular religious label. More and more, it seems, people are spiritual independents, so to speak. Not affiliated with any particular… er, party.

And that’s fine. It’s way past time for quibbling over how good people conceptualize their spirituality.

In fact, we’d all be better off if the world could grasp the simple concept that there should be no compulsion in matters of religion.

I’m finding that more and more people, some more actively than others, are trying to learn what other folks are spiritually about — or not — and honor that.

Given the occasion, I keep thinking back to what I wrote a few years ago in a column titled, “This Muslim Honors Christmas.”

“I hardly claim to speak for all Muslims, who are as diverse as humanity. But count me among those for whom this day highlights the spirit of love and humility that Jesus taught and lived, and of whom God says in the Quran (57:27): ‘We gave Jesus the Gospel and put compassion and mercy into the hearts of his followers.’ ”

I mentioned that for decades it has been my practice to bestow ribbon-bedecked bottles of Martinelli apple cider upon friends, a token of both the season’s joy and sober reflection.

I cited, though not by name, my dear now departed friend Stebbins Jefferson’s query: “I thought you didn’t celebrate Christmas.”

I don’t, was my reply, but I honor it because she — and so many others whom God has made the repositories of so much grace and good in America and the world — do.

A lot has changed since then, of course — and little has.

Roberta Popara, associate director of Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center in North Palm Beach, said that being in Iraq for Christmas in 2003 “gave me an opportunity to see how a Christian minority and another culture celebrate one of the most important feast days second only to Easter.”

Most countries don’t observe the cultural Christmas that Americans do, said the Dominican Sister. “Rather the religious significance takes precedent. Even so, in homes and shops there are modest displays for this holiday. Even some Muslim shopkeepers display Christmas lights and images of Baba Noel, as Arabic speakers call our Santa Claus. Special foods such as kibbi and pasha become usual fare for the holidays. There is some gift giving but again, very simple. The Christian community gathers for plays and pageants as well as prayerful observance of the holy season.”

“Even so,” she said, “since the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the rise of counter insurgency, holy seasons such as Christmas bring their own fear upon this minority community as certain groups, claiming they are doing God’s will, bring terror and death by targeting Christian churches and gatherings.

“This needs to be understood in balance with the continued experiences of terror for the ordinary Iraqi citizen regardless of religious identity.”

Methinks Muslims and others should be more aware of an episode in the early history of the Muslim community.

Severely persecuted in Mecca, some left to Ethiopia, whose Christian Negus sheltered them. The Meccans pursued, seeking their forced return. The Muslims appealed to the king that they once had been steeped in ignorance, worshiping idols and committing abominations, but had turned to worship only the creator. They recited the opening verses of the Quran’s chapter 19, named for Jesus’ mother Mary, at which the ruler wept.

The Meccans then claimed that Muslims disrespect Jesus, to which the reply came that the prophet taught that Jesus was a creature of God and his prophet, as well as his spirit and his word, which was cast unto the Blessed Virgin Mary. Upon which the king said he would never give up the Muslims to their persecutors.

There’s been way too much suffering among religious folk since. Witness “An Advent Evening of Commemoration and Reflection” for the four U.S. churchwomen martyred in El Salvador on Dec. 2, 1980.

The Dec. 14 advent program, hosted by Pax Christi Palm Beach at St. Ann Church in West Palm Beach, remembered Sisters Maura Clarke, Ita Ford, Dorothy Kazel and lay missioner Jean Donovan.

They had accepted dire risk in choosing to remain and serve as a shield for El Salvador’s persecuted poor. What else would his sincere followers do, than what Jesus would do?

Hearing their stories, my sense is the sisters would have appreciated a moment of levity from several Sundays ago, courtesy of the Rev. Carol Yorke of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches.

“So, you do know what would have happened if it had been three wise women instead of men, don’t you? They would have asked for directions. Arrived on time. Helped deliver the baby. Cleaned the stable. Made a casserole. And brought disposable diapers as gifts.

Rev. Yorke went on to remind that, “Horror and tragedy do not mean the end of meaning, unless we choose to view it that way.”

Instead, she said, “We can choose gratitude.”

There’s room to remember that meaning of this day and season.

Christmas, as someone once said, is what you make of a reflection of your values, desires, affections and traditions.

With spiritual label or not.

— C.B. Hanif

On the courtyard of Temple Israel following “An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity.”

Before sharing more scenes from some wonderful recent activities — among them the Thanksgiving interfaith gathering at Temple Israel in West Palm Beach, and at the Friends (Quaker) Meeting House in Lake Worth — I  should mention the next installment in our monthly interfaith DVD & Discussion series. Coming up this Sunday, Dec. 19, it’s “Different Books, Common Word: Baptists and Muslims.” This notable documentary by EthicsDaily.com posits:

From Boston to the Bible Belt and from Beaumont to the nation’s beltway, Baptists and Muslims are changing history with the way they change each other. Tired of being defined by extremists, some Baptists and Muslims in the United States have sought and found common ground: the common word in both traditions to love God and love neighbor. The courageous Baptists and Muslims in “Different Books, Common Word” will surprise you.

Robert Parham, executive editor of EthicsDaily.com and the documentary’s co-producer/director, says: “The Bible calls us to love our neighbors, not as a means of conversion, but because it’s the right thing to do.” That’s the Quranic view too — as in myriad other traditions.

All are welcome to join our warm company of spiritually and ethnically diverse friends, 2-4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, 900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409.

As always, these “Models for Interfaith Dialogue and Unity” gatherings are organized by New Africa of the Palm Beaches, with support of local clergy and lay friends. The programs provide opportunities to transcend religious, ethnic and cultural divisions by learning from and about each other, while developing exemplary models for human interaction and cooperation. There’s no fee; donations to support this effort are welcome. More info: 561-309-5476.

With our dear Mercedes Mont of the Focolare, the worldwide Christian movement, than whom I know no better followers of Christ Jesus, upon whom be Peace.

Aneesha and Mercedes, caring, sharing, not wanting to leave.

More scenes:

Rabbi Richard Chapin, our humble host, welcoming all to "An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity," Nov. 23 at Temple Israel in West Palm Beach.

It was a joy to meet Pastor Acosta.

Cantor Paul Offenkrantz and the Temple Israel musicians were spirit-moving.

Cantor Offenkrantz

My dear friend Deacon Dennis Demes, of the Diocese of Palm Beach, touched my heart with his comments.

The Children's Choir of Church Jesus Redentor de Vida was awesome.

In my Thanksgiving remarks...

...I shared the advice embraced by Luqman the Wise: "And whoever is thankful, is so to the profit of his own soul. And any who is ungrateful should know that G-d is Self-Sufficient, free of all wants, worthy of all praise" (Quran 31.12).

Our guest speaker Melanie Nezer, senior director, U.S. Programs and Advocacy, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society.

Delightedly reconnecting with Charles Damsel, one of my longtime readers.

Whether with longtime friends or new...

... it truly was "An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Celebrating Our Diversity."

Meanwhile, during the Lake Worth Interfaith Network's "6th Annual Thanksgiving Service of Gratitude"...

...at the The Friends (Quaker) Meeting Nov. 25...

Deacon Patricia Masterman of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, who pulled us all together this year...

... offered a Native American Prayer replete with drum.

I reprised many of my Thanksgiving comments from Temple Israel.

Nirmi & Vinod Sandanasamy shared a Tamil Indian Prayer.

Our friend Cynthia Friend of the Palm Beach Dharma Center, who shared a Buddhist prayer.

After, some of us paused for a photo (L-R): Rabbi Jenny Skylark, Noam Brown, Hanif, Pat Masterman, Javier del Sol, Rev. Taylor Stevens.

Later, enjoying Thanksgiving time with Melton Mustafa...

...and family and friends — and his video camera.

A few days later, checking in at the Palm Beach County Convention Center Dec. 2 ...

...to join in honoring my friend, master photographer Bevins Bennett, and others....

...as host committee members celebrated the Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County's annual Ascension Awards. (L-R): Keely Taylor, Verdenia Baker, Bevins Bennett, Thais Sullivan, Aneesha Hanif.

— C.B. Hanif

Tremendous gratitude to the local Pax Christi group for hosting me as speaker during their monthly meeting Nov. 10.

In prepared comments I spoke about the the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca that I was blessed to make in 2001. This year’s Hajj is due to begin on Monday, so I was expanding on my previous day’s talk during our monthly meeting of the Interfaith Clergy Committee of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

For Pax Christi I also brought along copies of my various translations of the Quran. Members were able to study them as we perused some of the verses, and I addressed some common questions of folks who may have few or no relationships with Muslims or little working knowledge of Islam.

I also shared how the Quran sounds to many of us in our Muslim American community, through a CD featuring the sonorous Arabic recitation by Imam Rasul Madyun, one or our outstanding young imams who we unexpectedly lost to Crohn’s disease. Along with English translation, the verses (Quran 17:23-25) prescribed kindness to parents.

Thanks again to David Pena and Pax Christi for letting me visit with longtime friends, such as Beth Cioffoletti and Tom Burroughs, and make new ones.

As usual I learned a lot — this time about this Catholic peace movement whose sentiments I overwhelmingly share.

More scenes:

— C.B. Hanif

A lot of folks are talking about civility these days. But is anyone doing anything about it?

Well, yeah — er, I mean, yes. Yet it seems the busier folks in this arena are those promoting even more incivility in our national public discourse.

The poster child for the problem may still be Joe Wilson, a lightweight (See how easy incivility is?) GOP congressman from South Carolina, whose claim to fame is to have heckled President Obama during a joint session of Congress last year with: “You lie!”

I don’t think it uncivil to note that all our presidents likely have lied. That seems a requirement to win and to do the job. But now we have a backbencher shouting such claims for fun and political profit, with all the decorum of a kid in a sandbox.

Soon after that episode came the Anti-Defamation League’s report, “Rage Grows in America: Anti-Government Conspiracies.”

Examining “the groups and individuals” behind the alarming decline in our public discourse,” the ADL cited “the ‘birthers’ who claim the president is not an actual citizen of the U.S., to militia groups fearful that the government plans to forcibly disarm American citizens, to those who suggest that the health-care reform movement is akin (to) Nazi policies.

“There is a toxic atmosphere of rage in America being witnessed at many levels, and it raises fundamental questions for our society,” said Abraham Foxman, ADL national director. “While not all of American has bought into these conspiracies, they seem to be seeping more and more into the mainstream.”

We seem to have slipped further since, toward a nation that is losing all sense of civility — and, in the words of McDonald’s masterful ad campaign, lovin’ it.

Increasingly we give the most outrageous media and political demagogues the biggest ratings. Intuitively we know they’ll poison our national discourse, wreck the country, whatever it takes to advance themselves, which ultimately is what they’re all about. Yet we keep tuning in, voting them in, seeking to be “informed,” and comforted. Which underscores that ultimately, we are responsible for this situation.

And these days, of course we can’t overlook what is being called Islamophobia. It seems Muslims have become the new — er, for the sake of civility, let’s just say, “N word,” with anyone who resembles “immigrant” a close second. Shrill voices keep demanding that Muslims be lumped in one bag. Yet as one of them I can attest that rather than being monolithic, the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims are as diverse as human beings get.

The point seemed to have been lost on veteran news commentator Juan Williams, who, trying to placate Fox News extremist Bill O’Reilly, and have National Public Radio too, provided NPR execs an opportunity to do what they long have wanted: dump him.

NPR’s excuse was Mr. Williams’ statement that when he sees folks on airplanes wearing traditional (or, in his thinking, stereotypical) Muslim garb, “and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims,” he becomes fearful. So Fox just hired at $2 million this news analyst, who not only thinks terrorists would disguise themselves as … Muslims, but also thinks folks’ myriad cultural clothing identifies them as terrorists.

With the operative words, “and I think,” Mr. Williams at least acknowledged that the problem was in his head, and reminded us that blacks can be bigots too. Best line I saw on it all? Juan Cole, University of Michigan professor: “Next Williams will be announcing that he sympathizes with the white police officers who get nervous when they see people dressed like African-Americans traveling in automobiles.”

The situation has reached the point that friends increasingly say they are tuning out TV, talk radio and other mass media news in favor of more thoughtful information sources such as — OK, I’ll say it — this one.

“We have given up in my house,” is a typical comment. “Just too much mass hypnosis all day long by the warped media.”

Yet with so many choices, grabbing people’s attention costs more than money, “It costs interesting,” says blogger Seth Godin. “Thus, as media moves from TV-driven to attention-driven, we’re going to see more outliers, more renegades and more angry people driving agendas and getting elected.”

But is civility dead? Hardly. A friend just told me she will be participating next month in a Consultation on Civility, part of a major project the Jewish Council for Public Affairs is mounting “to help restore civility in our nation.” As part of its Bridging Cultures initiative, the National Endowment for the Humanities recently accepted proposals for “Civility and Democracy” grants.

Another friend said she’ll be heading next month to a weekend gathering of sisters of her Catholic congregation whose anti-racism team “meets twice a year to consider how to keep this reality and need for transformation in front of the whole congregation’s consciousness and actions.”

“We are greatly in need of turning down the rhetoric of both religious and political dialogue,” said Mitch Carnell of South Carolina, author of Christian Civility in an Uncivil World, in his April article at ethicsdaily.com, Breaking Point? Working to Restore Civility. “It starts with each one of us taking responsibility for our own actions.”

Like you, I’m sure, I’m not always as patient, or as civil, as I want to be. But civility dead?

Nah, we’re just witnessing the latest last gasp of the recalcitrance in our human spirit. Our progress through the course of history, and even in my brief lifetime, renders me hopefully optimistic (which some friends translate as: optimistic fool).

Thus this ode to you who are trying to do the civil thing. You know who you are. With more of us than ever, of so many different stripes, learning from, sharing with and better appreciating each other, we still might lose, humanity.

But ultimately, the professional haters for fun and profit can’t win. 

— My gratitude for all the kindness from those of you who were readers of more than two decades of my editorials and columns for The Palm Beach Post. I’m still rooting for my friends there. But for those who have wanted more of my offerings, welcome. I’m going to love sharing on the issues and goings-on in our community, if not our galaxy. Thanks for joining me on this latest journey.

— C.B. Hanif