Groundbreaking Ceremony For Muslim Community Center Of Greater San Diego

Aug. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- San Diego, CA–The dream to build an Islamic center like no other in San Diego is about to come true.  Ground will be broken on Saturday, August 8, 2009 in Santa Luz for the new home of the Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego.  The historic event will begin at 3:30 p.m. at 14647-14698 Via Fiesta, San Diego, 92127.  

The Groundbreaking represents an important milestone for the organization that was formed in March 2001.  That’s when a group of 30 Muslims established the Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego (MCC).  Their goal was to establish a center that would have values and operating principles different from other local and even national Islamic Centers.

MCC spokeswoman Anita Tallman explains how MCC’s fundamental organization is unique.  “English is the official language, “says Tallman, “and our by-laws dictate that elections are held each year, with equal participation from men and women”.   Tallman adds, “MCC believes in justice, respect, peace, openness, tolerance, timeliness and accountability.  MCC is united by our faith, not differences and MCC welcomes all Muslims and non-Muslims.”

MCC started out renting space in a small shopping plaza in Rancho Penasquitos where the public could come to worship, attend Friday prayers, participate in weekend school, and other activities.  Faced with a growing membership, MCC sought to find a new home and in 2005 purchased over five acres in Santa Luz, one of San Diego’s fastest growing communities.  MCC members have now raised the money needed to begin construction of the new community facility.  The goal is to open the doors on May 1, 2010.

More than 400 people have been invited to attend the Groundbreaking Ceremony.  U.S. Rep. Brian Bilbray and former San Diego City Councilmember Scott Peters have confirmed their attendance.  Dr. Sulayman S. Nyang will serve as the Keynote Speaker.  Dr. Nyang is a Professor and former Chairman of the African Studies Department at Howard University in Washington D.C.   He is former Deputy Ambassador and Head of Chancery of the Gambia Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and has written extensively on Islamic, African, and Middle Eastern affairs.  The event will also feature children’s activities, appetizers and refreshments.

For information about the Muslim Community Center of Greater San Diego, contact Anita Tallman at MCCViaFiesta@gmail.com or visit http://www.gsdmcc.org .