By Greg Hazley
A coalition of faith-based groups led by hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons is planning a March 6 rally in Times Square to protest Congressional hearings slated by a New York Congressman Peter King on the "radicalization of the American Muslim community."
Simmons' PR firm, PMK/BNC, is promoting the effort, while The Catalyst Group, a PR firm led by former BET VP Leyla Turkkan, is promoting the participation of Imam Feisal Abdul, the New York imam at the center of the "Ground Zero mosque" controversy last year.
Simmons said the groups acknowledge the "important work" of the House Homeland Security Committee, which will hold the hearings. "However, we're concerned the hearings will send the wrong message and alienate American Muslims instead of partnering with them, potentially putting their lives at risk by inciting fear and enmity," he said in a statement.
Several organizations are participating, including the rabbi-led Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, Interfaith Center of New York and the Queens Federation of Churches, among others
King announced in December he would hold the hearings, which are currently being planned.
"I will not allow political correctness to obscure a real and dangerous threat to the safety and security of the citizens of the United States," the media-savvy Congressman said.
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