Nearly 350 people packed the Hoover Crescent Islamic Center on Saturday for a first-of-its-kind candidate forum hosted by the Birmingham Islamic Society, marking a historic moment of civic engagement for Hoover’s growing Muslim community.
The forum, held ahead of the city’s August 26 municipal elections, brought together a diverse slate of city council hopefuls and community members for a respectful, nonpartisan discussion about the future of Hoover. From school quality and infrastructure to public engagement and economic development, the event centered on real-world issues facing local families—offering voters a rare chance to hear directly from candidates in a thoughtful and solution-oriented setting.
Candidates in attendance included Tanveer Patel for Place 1; Clint Bircheat, Kenneth Cox Jr., Copeland Johnson, and Gene Smith for Place 2; Liz Lane and Robert L. Williams for Place 3; Khristi Driver and Donna Mazur for Place 4; and Steve Lawrence and Derrick M. Murphy for Place 5. Ashley Lovell and Christian Coleman sent regrets due to personal conflicts. Robin Schultz, who remains in the race for Place 1, declined to attend, citing concerns over the forum’s closed-door format and BIS’s decision not to permit independent recording or livestreaming.
“Transparency is non-negotiable,” Schultz said. “Voters deserve forums that are fully accessible, whether in person or online—especially with the critical August 26 election approaching.”
The event was moderated by two facilitators and opened with remarks from BIS President Nasim Uddin, who emphasized the importance of civic dialogue and community empowerment. A robust Q&A session followed, shaped by questions submitted by community members. One topic that drew particular attention was a recently withdrawn zoning request tied to a proposed faith-based private school. Candidates offered candid responses and emphasized the need for transparency, fairness and community input in local decision-making—an issue that struck a chord with many in attendance.
Saturday’s turnout was more than a crowd; it was a statement. The Muslim community in Hoover is no longer content to be seen but not heard. With this forum, the Birmingham Islamic Society helped usher in a new era of civic involvement, one that insists on representation, accountability and respect.
The Birmingham Islamic Society, founded in 1990, has long been a cornerstone of the Muslim community in the Birmingham metropolitan area. With its main center in Hoover and satellite locations throughout the region, BIS offers educational programs, youth mentorship, interfaith outreach, and critical services like funeral assistance and food distribution. Its leadership has played a quiet but steady role in community development, working to build bridges while remaining grounded in faith and service.
That work is now gaining wider recognition. In recent years, BIS has expanded its reach, not just through charitable efforts but through active participation in public discourse. From supporting halal food access for college students to training new khateebs and strengthening ties with civic partners, BIS has shown that faith-based institutions can be powerful engines of inclusion and progress.
Saturday’s forum wasn’t about scoring political points or pushing an agenda. It was about showing up, listening and being heard. And judging by the crowd, the energy and the thoughtful dialogue that unfolded, Hoover’s Muslim community is more than ready to take its seat at the table. The Birmingham Islamic Society thanked all candidates and attendees who made the event a success and left the door open for even deeper community engagement in the days to come.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Robin Schultz had withdrawn from the race for Place 1. That was an error. APR apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.
