Organizational Background

Summary

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