Strengthening Community Through Faith: D’Andre D. Lampkin Speaks at Interfaith Ramadan Iftar

Strengthening Community Through Faith: D’Andre D. Lampkin Delivers Keynote at Interfaith Ramadan Iftar

The spirit of unity and compassion was on full display as the Dawoodi Bohra community of Ontario hosted its annual Interfaith Ramadan Iftar, bringing together leaders, residents, and members of various faith traditions for an evening centered on reflection, gratitude, and shared humanity.

For the fourth consecutive year, D’Andre D. Lampkin, Founder of the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation, Deputy Sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Planning Commissioner for the City of Ontario, was invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the gathering held at the Dawoodi Bohra Al Masjid.

The annual iftar provides an opportunity for community members of different backgrounds to come together during the holy month of Ramadan, the Islamic season of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

Reflecting on the Power of Fasting

In his keynote remarks, Lampkin spoke about the deeper meaning of fasting and how the discipline of going without food or water during daylight hours helps build empathy for those who experience hunger and hardship every day.

“Fasting awakens something powerful within us,” Lampkin told attendees. “When the stomach is empty, the heart becomes more aware.”

Drawing from his experience in public safety, nonprofit service, and local government, Lampkin reflected on moments in his career where he witnessed families facing hardship and sacrifice. He explained that Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to intentionally experience the humility and gratitude that can emerge when people step outside their comfort.

“Some fast by devotion,” he shared. “Others fast by circumstance. Yet in those moments, we begin to realize how much more alike we are than different.”

Shared Truths Across Faith Traditions

One of the central themes of the evening was interfaith understanding. Lampkin highlighted how the values of compassion, restraint, and spiritual reflection appear across many faith traditions.

He referenced passages from the Torah, Bible, and Qur’an, emphasizing how each teaches that physical nourishment alone is not enough to sustain the human spirit.

“Scripture across traditions reminds us that man does not live by bread alone,” he said. “We also need purpose, faith, and community.”

The message resonated with many in attendance. After the program concluded, several guests approached Lampkin to express how the remarks spoke to their own experiences and reinforced the importance of dialogue between communities.

Building Bridges Through Service

For the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation, events like the Dawoodi Bohra Interfaith Iftar reflect the organization’s broader mission of strengthening community resilience and fostering meaningful connections across diverse groups.

The Foundation regularly supports initiatives that bring people together—whether through youth programs, community events, disaster recovery support, or civic engagement efforts.

Lampkin expressed gratitude to the Dawoodi Bohra community for their continued hospitality and commitment to building bridges between faiths and cultures.

“Gatherings like this remind us that when we sit together, learn from one another, and share our stories, we strengthen the very fabric of our community,” he said.

A Message That Lingers

As the evening concluded and attendees prepared to break their fast together, Lampkin offered a final reflection that captured the spirit of the event.

“Somewhere tonight, someone is still hungry,” he reminded the audience. “Let our gratitude move our hands long after this table is cleared.”

Through moments like these—where faith, service, and compassion intersect—the Dawoodi Bohra community and the D’Andre D. Lampkin Foundation continue to demonstrate how understanding and unity can transform communities for the better.