Hundreds of people gathered for the groundbreaking of the new Islamic Culture Center in the Bronx. It’s been three years since the original center burned down. Click below to read more.

Melissa Nash

Nearly three years after a massive fire destroyed the Islamic Cultural Center in Morrisania, hundreds gathered at the site Wednesday to break ground on a new building.
Imam Abdoulah Bajaha is eager for the new beginning.
“The first thing we want to do is to educate the young ones, because that will mean we will have a better generation for the future,” Bajaha said.
According to builder Rodney Leon Architects, when completed, the $3 million, 15,000-square foot building will include a large prayer hall, an Islamic book store, a 200-seat dining hall, classrooms and offices. The design also calls for a roof garden and a five-story tower.
Construction is expected to last a year.
“We have been putting in all our resources and asking God to help us,” said Baragi Kantara. “We want to make this place better than it was before.”
The three-alarm blaze on Sept. 17, 2009, destroyed a row of businesses and buildings along E. 166th St.
For the local African Muslim community, the cultural center was a gathering place, a place for religious ceremonies, education programs and after-school activities, among other programs.
It also served as the site of the funeral services for nine children and one adult killed in the March 2007 housefire in Highbridge.
Since losing the cultural center, community members have been meeting in four different rented storefronts. But the site was sorely missed.
“I feel like the Islamic Cultural Center is important in that it helps build solidarity with our culture and our religion,” said Hawa Camara. “It is important that we keep our connection to our roots.”
Community members have rallied to raise $1 million toward the rebuilding by holding several fund-raisers. Some men even took second jobs.
“It has been very difficult,” said Boubou Diawara. “But now that we have a chance to rebuild, and everyone is happy that we will be able to be together as we were before.”
Aisha Conteh used to come to the cultural center to pray.
“Everybody gathered here. We all united here,” she said. “The fire happened around Ramadan. And that was the worst time. But I am so glad to know that is going to be rebuilt again.”
After the groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene applauded the community’s fortitude.
“I’m so proud of the what’s been accomplished here,” she said. “They are good citizens. And out of the ashes of yesterday, there will be a great edifice here honoring God. What more could you ask for?”