Black History Month is observed every February to learn about, honor and celebrate the achievements of black men and women throughout our nation's history. In this special edition newsletter, we are recognizing leading Atlanta-area Interfaith African Americans. 
Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur

Ms. Abdul-Ghafur developed multi-million dollar partnerships over two decades to advance global development, interfaith action and dialogue, and corporate social responsibility across national and international organizations. Saleemah is a published expert on Muslim Women in the West and compiled the seminal anthology, Living Islam Out Loud: American Muslim Women Speak(Beacon Press 2005).  She is a member of the Advisory Board of Muslims for Progressive Values and the Secret Life of Muslims, a forthcoming PBS series.  Saleemah is a graduate of Columbia University and is the recipient of the Kent Place School Young Alumnus Award and the United for Humanity Award.
Reverend Dr. Gerald L. Durley

After completing his doctorate degree in Urban Education and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Dr. Durley became a program manager in the U.S. Department of Education where he created programs for interdisciplinary studies for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Dr. Durley is an effective psychologist and an internationally sought after motivational speaker. He  retired as the pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church and is currently the Pastor Emeritus. His awards include the White House Champion of Change Award, Citizen of Georgia Award, ISB's Lifetime Achievement Award, and Imam W. Deen Muhammed Distinguished Service Award.       He has been married for almost 50 years to his wife, Muriel.  They have two children and four grandchildren.  His autobiography is available here.
photocredit: Doby Photography
Imam Irahim Pasha

Imam Imbraim Pasha served as First Lieutenant and served on the staff of the
Muhammad Speaks newspaper as production manager and circulation manager. The paper reached over one million copies. In 1976, he was asked by Imam W.D. Mohammed to come to Atlanta from Chicago. In Atlanta, Imam Pasha served for many years as resident Imam of the Atlanta Masjid and as the Southeast Regional Imam, where he traveled often to help other mosques in transition. He was known for his inspirational and motivational speeches and officiated many weddings and funerals. Imam Pasha was granted many awards for his work in leadership including being given keys to various cities where he touched many. Imam Pasha passed away on October 28th, 2016 and  leaves behind his wife Faridah of 52 years, seven children and ten grand children.   The ISB recognizes his legacy and many contributions. 
M. Alexis Scott

M. Alexis Scott has a long career as a newspaper journalist, executive and visionary community leader. After nearly seventeen years as publisher of the Atlanta Daily World, a newspaper founded by her grandfather in 1928, she was part of the executive team that opened the Center for Civil and Human Rights in 2014. Before taking the helm of her family's newspaper, Ms. Scott worked with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Cox Enterprises, Inc.  She serves on the boards of the Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. She  has received many awards, including induction into three Halls of Fame: The Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, The Atlanta Press Club, and The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has been a life-long member of First Congregational Church, UCC, where she served as president of the congregation and as a Sunday School teacher.
Haroun Shahid Wakil

Mr. Haroun Wakil, of West End Community Masjid, created the organization Street Groomers . His mission is to clean up crime in the West End Community. He started the organization as a way to give back to the historic neighborhood. He wakes up early to walk students to their bus stops and ensures they get on the bus safely. After school, h e stands at street corners and walks around the blocks to ensure the children's safety. He is appreciated  not just in the West End, but also in other communities. Mr.  Wakil says he will always be a Street Groomer, so children do not fall victim to a lifestyle he escaped.  "The way we're going to save our community is by saving our kids," he said.  Mr. Wakil says he started his organization to help people who do not have anyone and to let others know that they are there for them. At night, members of his organization join him to walk  the streets  to help keep the crime down and to keep the community safe. Mr. Wakil was recently interviewed on 11 Alive News here.