Henrico county, located in the greater Richmond region, is the fifth largest county in Virginia, one of the oldest in the US, and is one of the more diverse counties in the region. It has been home to many of Richmond’s Ismaili Muslims for over thirty years. Due to recent events and rising ethnic tensions across the USA, the county sought to foster stronger relationships between different religious and ethnic communities. This being the Diamond Jubilee year, it was an opportune time to establish a relationship with the county.
Through the work of the Richmond Communications & Publications team and the Northeast’s Ismaili Council, a dinner meeting was arranged with Henrico county officials. The purpose of this gathering was to develop and foster relationships with local political leaders, but also to raise awareness about the Aga Khan Development Network, Hazar Imam, and the Ismaili institutions.
The meeting was hosted by the County Manager, Mr. John Vithoulkas, and attended by elected representatives, Fire and Police Chiefs and other officials. Local and regional Jamati leaders were present, including Northeast Council Communications and Publications member Raheem Haji, and President Shajahan Merchant, who presented an overview of our history as Ismaili Muslims and the work of the AKDN. Hadi Merchant introduced three members of the Richmond Jamat and presented their achievements towards service to our country, social justice, and academic excellence.
The county officials shared with us various ways through which the Jamat can engage at the highest level with the Henrico community. In fact, a highlight of the meeting was the appointment of Dr. Sultan Lakhani to the Henrico Mental Health and Developmental Services Board. It is through contributions such as this that Ismailis will become known in the community for their ethics of service and compassion. Importantly, the Richmond Jamat now has direct access to community resources that can be utilized to demonstrate these ethics, including internships, externships, refugee resettlement, and highly visible volunteer opportunities.
