The CURE Community Leaders

Imam Izak-EL Mu’eed Pasha
In a period of less than seven years, Izak-EL Mu’eed Pasha, The Resident Imam of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz in Harlem has done an outstanding job in involving Masjid Malcolm Shabazz and the Muslim Community into the mainstream of economic development.

As the Resident Imam of Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, Imam Pasha overseas and directs the economic activities of several business enterprises. He is the Director of Education for the Clara Mohammed School.

Perhaps the most visible of his accomplishment is the establishment of the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market Incubator, located on 116th Street between Malcolm X Blvd. and 5th Ave. This 1.3 million open-air market stands on 22,000 square feet and houses 112 stores. This market which has now become of the the major tourist attractions in the city of New York was made possible when Imam Pasha intervened on behalf of the street vendors on 125th Street. The vendors were on the verge of being relocated and did not have a suitable location where they could continue to sell their wares. Imam Pasha began working with the Federal, State and City Officials, as well as the community Board #10, and negotiated with them to use the space on 116th St. where the market is currently located.

Another significant accomplishment of Imam Pasha and Malcolm Shabazz Development Corporation is the establishment of the Harlem Business Opportunity Center. The Harlem B.O.C., as it is commonly referred, is a part of a business network linking African American, African-Caribbean, Asian, Eastern European, Hasidic and Hispanic entrepreneurs in the establishment or expansion of their business enterprises.

In the past 10 years, under the leadership of Imam Pasha, Malcolm Shabazz Development Corporation has sponsored, rehabbed or developed numerous units of affordable housing in the Harlem corridor. Malcolm Shabazz Development Corp. is a sponsor of the Malcolm Shabazz Gardens – forty-one, three family homes located on 117th Street between Malcolm X Blvd. and 7th Ave.; 118th Street between Malcolm X Blvd. and 5th Avenue. The Malcolm Shabazz Gardens help stimulate economic growth and development within the community. The Malcolm Shabazz Development is also a sponsor of the Renaissance Plaza, a full service $60 million development that includes 241 homeownership units and 120,000 square feet of retail space, with underground parking. Malcolm Shabazz Development Corp. is currently developing the following projects A) Malcolm Shabazz Apartments – 42 Units of rehabilitated apartments in four buildings; Malcolm Shabazz Court – 38 new construction rental units; and 2512 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. – a 20 unit moderate rehabilitation project. Malcolm Shabazz Development Corp. works continuously with Habitat For Humanity.

As part of his community service contributions Imam Pasha serves on several Boards of Directors. He holds many Notable Public Service affiliations: Executive Council Member, for the US Chapter, World Conference on Religion and Peace; a Board Member for the U.S. Inter-Religious Committee for Peace in the Middle East; a member of the Honorary Board of Governors of the World Congress of Christians, Jews and Muslims; Secretary of the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI); New York City Millennium Committee, New York City Police Academy Board of Visitors; Vice President of the NYC Cultural Affairs Advisory Commission, Executive Member of the Religious Alliance Against Pornography and Honorary Co-Chair for Appeal of Conscience. Imam Pasha participated in the Inaugural Ceremony on January 1, 2002 for Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Imam Pasha leads the community in many “Firsts”: First Muslim Chaplain of the New York City Taxi Limousine Commission (2002); First Muslim Chaplain in the history of the New York City Police Department (1999); First Muslim to be a member of the NYC Human Rights Commission (1997); First Muslim named to the NYC Health Care Chaplaincy Board of Trustees (1997); First Muslim appointed to serve on the Mayoral Police/Community Relations Task Force (1997); and First Muslim to deliver the Commencement Address at Columbia University (1996). He was the Chairman of the 1996 Muslim Convention, which was held in White Plains, New York where the Muslim American community recognized Imam Pasha as the “Man of the Year”. Also, that same year the local Boy Scouts honored him with an award representing 4000 Boy Scouts.

Since 1993, Imam Pasha has been a builder of bridges between the Muslim Community and critical socio-economic and political institutions of our society on the international, national and local levels. In the aftermath of 9/11, on September 23, 2001 at the Interfaith Memorial Service held at Yankee Stadium, Imam Pasha was one of many influential speakers that participated in the historical event. Some notable speakers included Former President Bill Clinton, Cardinal Edward Egan, Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodman Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and many others. Imam Pasha’s entire speech on September 23, 2001 can be read in the book titled From The Ashes: A Spiritual Response To The Attack On America, a Beliefnet/Rodale Book. On January 26, 2002, Imam Pasha and other Muslims of the NYC Police Department and the NYC Fire Department were honored in Washington, D.C. at a program sponsored by the U.S Department of State. President George Bush and Former Secretary of State Colin Powell praised them by saying “they were among our country’s greatest heroes.”

In August 2004, Imam Pasha delivered the invocation for the National Republican Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The New York Times has been featured Imam Pasha numerous times, highlighting his contributions and achievements for the community he serves and the City of New York.

QUOTE OF THE DAY – New York Times (October 29, 2001)
“War is not something that any human being wants, but in defense of ourselves we must fight. But G-d, let us fight for peace, let us not deviate from establishing peace.”

July 4, 2004, Imam Pasha was invited by New York Governor George Pataki to deliver the invocation at the Freedom Tower Ceremony, marking the rebuilding on the site of the World Trade Center. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Former New Jersey Governor James McGreevy, several dignitaries and thousands of the victims’ family members witnessed the historic ceremony.

Imam Pasha’s involvement and concern for the total community development is reflected, first and foremost, in his respect for G-d, high moral values and a strong commitment to preserving the institution of the family.