August 29, 2003
Source: Chicago Tribune
On August 29, 2003 the Chicago Tribune reported that "American Muslims are expected to gather in record numbers at two Chicago conventions this weekend to chart a course for increasing their political power and influence. Attendance at the annual meetings is expected to be greater than in previous years, Muslim leaders said, because the Islamic community believes that events since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks have created an urgent need to organize to defend their constitutional rights."