A glimmer of hope as democracies falter at home and abroad

Aug 19

Florida Times Union, Aug 13, 2021 Concerned about the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19’s Delta variant across our region, on Aug. 3, I joined a group of parents and doctors at a rally to demand that the Duval County Public School Board mandate masks in schools. This small exercise in democracy was instrumental in forcing the School Board to mandate masks, albeit...

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A City of Hope

May 19

Our city of Jacksonville has made history by electing Alvin Brown to be our next Mayor. This should fill us up with civic pride and energize us. Jacksonville is our home and we love living here. All of us deserve a Mayor who can lead us to greater economic prosperity and social cohesion. The city must now unite behind Alvin Brown’s leadership and help him achieve...

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Editorial in Florida Times Union

Apr 25

April 25, 2011 There is nothing especially unusual about awards or appreciating the good works of outstanding individuals. But it is unique to have the sponsoring organization celebrating the audience. That is what happened last Tuesday night during “An Evening of Gratitude” by the Muslim community. The sentiments were so touching, the positive energy in...

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Person of the Year

Dec 29

Professor, father, author, activist, citizen, Muslim. The man who made 2010 a turning point for Northeast Florida. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Parvez Ahmed slept in. After teaching a late-night investment class at the University of Pennsylvania, and working in his home office until after midnight, he took the rare luxury of sleeping past 8 a.m. His parents,...

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