1994 Calif. Mosque Arson Changed Community When a new, 12,000-square-foot mosque on Tierra Buena Road burned to the ground on Sept. 1, 1994, it was not investigated as a hate crime ... "When you use a couple gallons of gasoline and douse carpets with it, you're intending to do some real damage," Washburn says. "It was obvious from the beginning that it was a hate crime, but people were shy about coming out and saying it." WHAT: "An American Mosque," a documentary about Islam in America and the enduring belief in freedom of religion. CAIR-OK: Social Justice in Islam and the Legacy of Malcolm X Humanity has shown that we are capable of overcoming injustices in society when we open our hearts and minds to an unbiased acceptance of the truth, just as Malcolm X did in the journey that led to his transformation to El Hajj Malik El Shabaaz. CAIR: Allen West's 'NUTS' Letter Sells for $2,625 on eBay Who Says You Can Kill Americans, Mr. President? (NY Times) MEDIA ADVISORY Texas Muslims to Hold 'Capitol Day' Jan. 31 in Austin Muslims from Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other cities expected to take part in advocacy effort (AUSTIN, TX, 1/17/2013) -- On Thursday, January 31, the Texas Muslim community will hold its biennial "Texas Muslim Capitol Day" at the state Capitol in Austin. A diverse group of Texas Muslims, representing Islamic organizations and mosques from across the state, are expected to take part in the event, which is designed to encourage positive civic participation by Muslims and their interfaith partners. WHAT: Texas Muslim Capitol Day News Conference and Rally  WHEN: Thursday, January 31, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (Advocacy training and meetings with elected officials and their staff will take place throughout the day.) WHERE: South Steps of the Texas State Capitol Building in Austin WHO: American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Council on American-Islamic Relations-Texas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), Crescent Youth, East Texas Islamic Society, Greater Houston Coalition for Justice, Houston Peace & Justice Center, Islamic Circle of North America, Islamic Relief, League of United Latin American Citizens, Masjid-ul-Mumineen, Muslim American Society Texas, Muslim Council of USA, North Austin Muslim Center, Risala Foundation, Southwest Region of the Nation of Islam, Texas Impact, Texas Muslim Democrats and others CONTACT: Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter, 832-549-1042, mcarroll@cair.com Imam Islam Mossaad of North Austin Muslim Community Center is confirmed to be the "Pastor of the Day" who will offer the invocation in the House Chamber at the state Capitol. Imam Islam stated: "Praise is for the All-Mighty for the honor of opening the legislative session with a sincere prayer to Him that we get matters right for all Texans. Texas Muslims have much to offer our state and will continue to make strides of bringing more understanding, justice, security and prosperity to the people of the state of Texas." Throughout the day, Muslims from across the state will participate in meetings with their state legislators to discuss community concerns, including religious freedom, immigrant rights and civil rights relating to privacy and technology issues. "Like many Texans, Muslims are concerned about the status of the economy, education, healthcare, safety, and civil liberties," said Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of CAIR-Texas's Houston chapter. "Additionally, the heightened anti-Muslim rhetoric and sentiment coming from some elected officials is alarming. Our goal for the 2013 session is to mobilize people to attend, to be educated about the political process and to learn how they can become more effective advocates." CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.