While IRG hosts or co-hosts a number of one-off or temporary series events, we have two primary annual events designed to engage both the Muslim and ally communities. Please check our website and social media for updates on other public-facing events as they come up.
Annual Building Bridges Awards Banquet (IBBA) – November
IRG’s Annual Building Bridges Awards Banquet, fondly nicknamed ‘IBBA,’ is a celebration of the bridge builders across our diverse communities in Minnesota. During this banquet, we recognize community leaders for their work of promoting education, unity, and access.
IBBA is a formal event that includes a full meal and dynamic programming. Speakers, IRG Youth, allies, and artists alike contribute to the IBBA program to help create an energetic environment for the evening. Most notably, we bring in a renowned public figure, often from outside of Minnesota, to deliver a keynote address on the theme of that year’s banquet.
Past Keynote Speakers:
- 2019: Ustadh Ubaydullah Evans, Scholar-in-residence, American Learning Institute for Muslims
- 2018: Dr. Todd Green, Professor & Islamophobia Expert, Luther College
- 2017: Dr Martin Nguyen, Professor of Islamic Religious Traditions, Fairfield University
2019 Awardees:
- Community Leadership: Arlene Nu’Man El-Amin, Community Outreach Director, Masjid an-Nur
- Education: Tracy Townsend, AP Human Geography & Macroeconomics Teacher, Chaska High School
- Healthcare: Rahma Heart Care Clinic
- Interfaith Activism: Connie Fourre, Author & Speaker
- Law Enforcement: Noelle Flesher, Jail Program Sergeant, Wright County Sheriff’s Office
- Media: Mukhtar M. Ibrahim, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Sahan Journal
- IRG Speaker of the Year: Lulua Webo, Student of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota
Annual Boat Cruise – August
Each summer, IRG hosts a Boat Cruise down the St. Croix River on the Amidallo Showboat in Stillwater, MN. This is a casual social event that brings together speakers and affiliates of IRG to enjoy food, friends, and sunshine on the river. A brunch is served while on the boat, and we conduct a raffle of gifts and goods from local businesses. This is a time for IRG to give updates on our work, recognize speakers and staff, and share announcements.
