Le Lézard
Subjects: SVY, REL, AVO

CAIR, MPower Change and Jetpac Release Report on Muslim Political Mobilization in the Trump Era


WASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Jetpac and MPower Change today released a report, "The Rise of American Muslim Changemakers," documenting the 127 American Muslims elected or appointed to public office since the election of Donald Trump in 2016 and the subsequent rise in anti-Muslim bigotry.

That report profiles newly-elected Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and Cleveland City Council Member Basheer Jones, among many others. The report shows that these and other American Muslim candidates were unapologetic in the face of relentless political attacks on their faith, heritage and political orientation. It also outlines successful Muslim political campaign strategies and grassroots organizing techniques.

[MEDIA ADVISORY: One of the authors of the report, CAIR Research & Advocacy Director Dr. Abbas Barzegar, will outline its findings live Friday, November 16 on CAIR's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational - at 11 a.m . (Eastern).]

READ THE ENTIRE REPORT: The Rise of American Muslim Changemakers https://www.cair.com/muslimchangemakers

"What we are witnessing is the beginning of a truly historic moment in American democracy. American Muslims are taking control of their own narrative and refusing to be silenced by the rising Islamophobia that has swept the country since 2016. The individuals profiled in this report are guided by faith, but not defined by it. The America they want to create is a more just, inclusive and equitable one for all Americans, not just Muslims. However, our efforts as a community cannot end here. This report also reveals the work that must be done to create stronger faith-based support systems, increase community involvement and extend civic engagement beyond the ballot box." ? Nihad Awad, CAIR National Executive Director

"Jetpac is honored to have been a part of the increase in American Muslim involvement in the 2018 midterms, and in the subsequent creation of this report. It's more important than ever that our community mobilize votes, funds and candidates to harness our political capital. The grassroots movements that were built around this election cycle can only have a positive effect on both policy and rhetoric that affects Americans of all races, religions and backgrounds. The profiles and data in this report tell the story of Americans who happen to be Muslim rising up to the challenge of Islamophobia and answering it with the call to public service. They campaigned, and they will serve, not for themselves, not just for Muslims, but for all Americans." - Shaun Kennedy, Executive Director Jetpac

"There were many incredible Muslim-led victories in the 2018 election, which will allow our communities to build toward even bigger wins in 2020. In order to do so, we must understand that electoral politics are just the tip of the iceberg. We have to build nationwide community organizing infrastructure. The next two years present us with an opportunity to transform not only how Muslims are civically engaged, but to build a strong, national infrastructure of grassroots organizing for Muslim communities." - Linda Sarsour, Executive Director MPower Change

Highlights of the Report Include That Since 2016:

*does not include Muslim candidates that filed paperwork for more than one race

Report Findings Include:

About the Report Authors:

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. 

Jetpac (Justice Education Technology Political Advocacy Center) is a training and educational organization that seeks to build a strong American Muslim political infrastructure and increase the community's influence and engagement.

MPower Change is one of the largest Muslim-led social and racial justice organizations in the United States. Rooted in the Islamic faith and the Prophetic model, it believes in building a more just world for all people.

CONTACT: CAIR Research and Advocacy Department Director Dr. Abbas Barzegar at (202) 742-6413,  [email protected], Jetpac Executive Director Shaun J. Kennedy at (626) 538-7221, [email protected]; and, MPower Change Campaign Director  at (917) 981-8919, [email protected]

 

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)



News published on and distributed by: