ICPIC—New Africa Center

“Islamic Cultural Preservation and Information Council-New Africa Center (ICPIC-NAC) is a coalition of university scholars, educators, multi-disciplinary artists, parents and individuals striving to preserve, protect and elevate the cultural heritage of Islam in America. ICPIC was founded in 1991, and its educational and cultural programming was developed to inform and preserve its rich cultural heritage here in America. ICPIC’s primary purpose is to preserve and document the rich, cultural Muslim heritage and legacy to pass on to future generations and to foster intergroup awareness, respect, tolerance and multicultural understanding by way of public forums, workshops, classroom presentations, youth and senior citizen programs, festivals, art exhibitions, literature, and multimedia outlets.” ICPIC sponsors an annual Islamic Festival at Penn’s Landing, which draws thousands of participants. Throughout the year, ICPIC sponsors a program twice a month, which feeds 200 people and provides entertainment, education, and inspiration to the neighborhood.

These events take place at “Freedom Square” a vacant lot across the street from the museum. Each Thanksgiving ICPIC sponsors a “Family and Youth Summit” which mixes a basketball tournament with workshops on education, careers, and social justice. ICPIC has a passion for youth empowerment, shown in its emphasis on inspiring and supporting youth entrepreneurship in Mantua. There are weeklong “Adventure Camp” experiences offered during the winter, spring, and summer featuring field trips, arts, computers, and more.  Weekend programs are offered during African American History Month and Women’s History Month utilizing speakers and movies, such as “The Trials of Muhammad Ali.” All their programs and activities contribute to creating neighborhood pride: unity in the community.