Larry Shaw
Larry Shaw was a Democratic member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the state's twenty-first Senate district, including constituents in Cumberland County. A corporate executive from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Shaw served seven term in the North Carolina Senate. Previously, he served one term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In 2010, Shaw announced that he would not seek re-election.
Shaw also served on the National Board of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). He became chairman of the board in 2009.In 2010 he became the host of an internet radio show on American Muslim 360 that is regularly scheduled for Tuesday evenings. The show is focused on current events and real world topics.[1]
As of 2017, Mr. Shaw works as a golf coach at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.[2].
Iraq Study Group panel
December 16, 2006- Iraq Study Group Report Reaction A panel spoke about Arab and Muslim perspectives on the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group. Among the topics they addressed were public opinion of U.S. foreign policy, potential impact of a changed U.S. strategy in Iraq on regional security, the future of the Middle East peace process, options for military withdrawal from Iraq, and existing tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the region. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience.
Panelists were Parvez Ahmed Chairman, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Nihad Awad Co-Founder and Exec. Dir. Council on American-Islamic Relations, Imad Moustapha Ambassador Syria-United States, Larry Shaw State Senator [D] North Carolina, Shibley Telhami Adviser U.S. Institute of Peace-Iraq Study Group.[3]
Mecca
In December 2008 Keith Ellison made his Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. He first travelled to Medina where he stayed for several days. meeting up with his friend Asad Zaman and other pilgrims from Minnesota.
After Mecca, Ellison was invited to a reception at the King's residence, for 60 to 70 people from Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine, China,and Chad. North Carolina state legislator Larry Shaw was also there. Ellison chatted with a member of the Iranian parliament.[4]
CAIR Elects Larry Shaw as Board Chair
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), announced March 3rd, 2009 that it has elected North Carolina State Senator Larry Shaw as its new board chairman. CAIR`s new chairman said he looks forward to partnering " with the Obama administration to protect civil liberties and to help improve America`s international image.
Shaw is a long-standing member of the North Carolina Senate General Assembly and a former member of the North Carolina House of representatives General Assembly. He also serves as the chairman of the Transportation Committee and vice-chairman of the Finance Committee. Shaw was the country`s highest-ranking Muslim elected official before the election of Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) in 2006. Prior to becoming a public official, Shaw gained extensive business experience in the food service industry. He has served on CAIR`s national board for three years.
In September of 2003, the six-term legislator was elected as vice-chairman of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus of the state`s general assembly.
"This is a critical time in our nation`s history, a time that requires change and renewal," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. I welcome Senator Shaw as CAIR`s new chairman and believe he will be a key player in broadening the dialogue on issues of importance to our nation, from civil rights to political participation and interfaith relations. "
In a statement, Sen. Shaw said: CAIR exists to uphold the right to liberty that Americans are guaranteed under the Constitution. We will challenge any attempts to erode constitutionally-protected liberties. We will also continue to work to ensure that American Muslims play a positive and productive role in our society.[5]