“Call me Muhammad” says superstar Jermaine Jackson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 30, 2008 -- The annual Muslim Writers Awards 2008 recognised the breadth and quality of literary talent within the UK’s Muslim community. At a glittering ceremony – attending by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi and guest of honour Jermaine Jackson – eight awards were handed out to deserving winners, following a review of 10,000 entries by a panel of independent judges.

The event took place on Saturday 29th March 2008 at the ICC in Birmingham, and attracted support from the Prime Minister, local government and celebrity advocates like and James Caan (Dragon’s Den). Jackson delighted the audience during his televised interview by asking the host to refer to him by his chosen Muslim name of “Muhammad”.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged his support for the awards, stating: “This is a wonderful opportunity to bring excellent writing by Muslim writers to new audiences, and increase the mutual understanding of the people of Britain. Through literature we can learn about disparate cultures and widen our perspectives of the world. I would like to congratulate all of the participating writers and the winners of this year’s awards.”

The Muslim Writers Awards initiative is now in it’s second year, and is organized by Innovate Arts – a non-profit body. MWA 2008 recognised the work of 26 writers across eight categories, ending with the prestigious “Writer of the Year” awards being presented by Jermaine Jackson at the glittering Awards gala. The initiative has received a phenomenal response from the British Muslim community, and many prominent guests including Lord Ahmed, Respect Councillor Salma Yaqoob and Nighat Awan OBE – owner of the Sher Khan Restaurant Group.

Imran Akram, Head of Innovate Arts, commented: “The initiative has a wider objective than the awards themselves. We want to encourage talented British Muslims, of all ages and backgrounds, to develop their powers of creative expression. This is a vital tool for encouraging integration and cementing community cohesion.”

Winner of the prestigious “Writer of the Year 2008” Award was 38-year old Aliya Vaughan from Brixton in London. She was also the recipient of the Best Children’s story Award. While the “Published Writer of the Year 2008” was former Guantanamo detainee, and Birmingham bookstore owner, Moazzem Beg. Beg gave a powerful acceptance speech recalling how faith and prayer strengthened the bond between the “Enemy Combatants” during the abuse and humiliation meted out by their captors.

Further information about the Awards can be found at www.muslimwritersawards.co.uk.

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