Zainab Khan

Richmond mosque provides safe space, education for Muslim families

The last thing you’d expect to sit opposite Jerry’s Cocktail Lounge in Richmond is a family-oriented, Muslim place of worship, let alone a full-fledged Islamic school. Yet every Sunday, over 150 parents, students, elders, and teachers pile out of their cars or from the closest bus stop to walk over to Richmond’s Masjid Al-Rahman. Many families come from as far as Albany and Emeryville. Mosques in West Contra Costa County are sparse – the only other Muslim place of worship in…

Little Leaders: Kennedy High teacher inspires cheer team to build trust, sisterhood

At this month’s annual Kennedy – Richmond football game, the cheerleaders had as many supporters in the stands as the football players, and they love the spotlight. “Oh my god, she’s taking pictures of us!” shouted one of the cheerleaders that Friday night. Another one added, “don’t just take pictures of her, make sure you get all of us!” Kennedy’s cheer team consists of fifteen girls, eleven on varsity and four on junior varsity. One of the team’s biggest goals…