Haske Society
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The Haske Society of Chicago was formally outdoored on October 25,
1976 in Chicago by a group of visionary young men who wanted to
develop an oasis of hope in a desert of hopelessness for recent
immigrants from West Africa.
The initial goal of the group was to create an environment for
carrying on with some of the rudimentary cultural practices of the
“Zongo Experience”. During the early days of the organization, a
strong sense of camaraderie was established among its members. There
were series of communal celebrations held to concretize the
organization’s achievements as a family.
The able leader during this golden period was none other than Alhaji
Adjei Abubakar Okoe. Over the years Haske has managed to transform
itself to keep pace with the changing community. Haske has become
bigger than the original vision.
Haske has served as the focus for rallying around the clan to
celebrate the birth of a child, the consummation of a marriage and
the officiating of the going home prayers for our dearly departed
ones. The Society has furthered its work by assisting members
financially and emotionally. It has sponsored trips home for
destitute members, presented gifts to visiting scholars and
politicians from Ghana.
About four years ago, the organization founded a Madrasat, a school
for Islamic Studies for the youth in the community. Classes are held
once a week under the tutelage of Ustaz Mohammed Al-Thani, a recent
graduate of
the University of Kuwait. The
principal of the institution is Alhaji Baba Cisse, who is
responsible for the development of the curriculum.
Mission
Haske Society of Chicago is committed to strengthening the
spiritual, cultural, economic and social needs of its membership. It
will research, nurture, educate and form alliances with
organizations with similar goals in its efforts to enlighten the
community.
Governance
The leadership of the Society is comprised of an executive
president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and financial
secretary. A board of directors supports the executive leadership of
the Society. The membership of the board is made up of the Chief,
Imam and the Galadima. The Society also has a council of elders
whose role is to serve as the conscience of the organization.
Membership
The Haske Society of Chicago is open to any one who subscribes to
the tenets of its mission. Membership is secured through the payment
of a registration fee and annual dues.
Programs
The coming year is filled with numerous activities to be
underwritten by the organization. As alluded to above, the weekly
Islamic school will continue to be enhanced through program
expansion. Currently, the school’s management has purchased a
computer, television and numerous CDs and videotapes for educational
instructions. The annual tafseer, which is the convening of the
community during the month of Ramadan to listen to sermon offered by
a Sheikh has become a mainstay of the Society. Finally, the search
for a home to be called our own will be uppermost in our efforts
during the ensuing year. To that end we will be organizing a
fundraising dinner on January 4, 2003.
For additional information please call Ahaji Wahabi G. Tijani or
e-mail to wtijani@nmh.org
President
Mr. W.G.Tijani 2937 Bonnie Brae Flossmoor, IL 60422 (708) 957-4948
Chief
Chief Alhaji Suleman Giwa 5617 South Rockwell Chicago, IL 60629
(773) 776-7957
Queen mother
Alhajia Falilat Giwa 5617 South Rockwell Chicago, IL 60629 (773)
776-7957
Linguist
Council Representatives
Mr. W.G.Tijani 2937 Bonnie Brae Flossmoor, IL 60422 (708) 957-4948
Alhaji U. Baba-Cisse 8316 South Clyde Chicago, IL 60617 (773)
978-2461
Mr. Bashiru Habib 832 East 101st St., Unit 27F Chicago, IL 60628
(773) 785-1423
Association Meetings
LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH at the HARRIET YWCA DREXEL CHICAGO
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council