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Issue 3: April 2, 2023

A monthly spotlight on major developments in MPAC’s D.C. Office

THIS MONTH IN DC – Protecting Christian Institutions and Houses of Worship ([link removed]) , Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan, ([link removed]) Evelina López Antonetty: The Mother of the Bronx ([link removed]) , Breaking Barriers with Lina Khan ([link removed]) , MPAC Recognizes International Day to Combat Islamophobia ([link removed]) ,

Protecting Christian Institutions and Houses of Worship:
On March 27, the United States saw yet another tragedy in what has become a sickening norm: three children and three teachers were gunned down at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee – the 130th mass shooting this year ([link removed]) . Christian institutions and churches have been the target of violence and terror and we stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the community. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed; action must accompany this sentiment if we truly intend on making our communities safer.

Read our full statement
here ([link removed]) .

White House Liasion to the American Muslim Communities:
As a member of the American Muslim Community Coalition, MPAC is proud to announce that Mazen Basrawi has been appointed as the White House liaison to American Muslim communities. With his extensive background in civil rights and advocacy, this is a great step forward in the push for Muslim representation and inclusion, and we are excited for what Basrawi will bring to this role.

Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan:
With our endorsement, Rep. André Carson introduced H.Res.246 - Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal. The resolution highlights the influence and contributions of the American Muslim community, and as an act of solidarity and respect for the holy month, the House of Representatives acknowledges the Islamic faith as "as one of the great religions of the world."

"Our American Muslim community is a vital contributor to our nation's diversity, as well as to the talents, perspectives, and achievements that diversity brings." - Rep. André Carson (D-IN)

Read the resolution
here ([link removed]) .

Evelina López Antonetty - The Mother of the Bronx:
Dr. Evelina López Antonetty advocated for the rights of Puerto Ricans and African Americans amidst the Civil Rights Movement and the War on Poverty in the 1950s and 60s. Dubbed “The Hell Lady of the Bronx” by the New York Police Department, Antonetty was a human rights activist, community organizer, and educational leader well known for her outspoken nature and fearlessness in the face of authority. She was known more affectionately by her community as “The Mother of the Bronx” for her dedication to ensuring the community had adequate food, jobs, and equal educational opportunities.

Learn more about her work
here ([link removed]) .

Breaking Barriers with Lina Khan:
As women around the nation stand up against discrimination and defy archaic expectations, it is crucial to recognize the contributions of Muslim women in America, who serve as prominent representatives of Islam in both the public and private sphere of life. Lina Khan is a trailblazer in competition law and antitrust regulation, serving as the youngest-ever chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the first Muslim American to serve in this position. She is an inspiring leader with noteworthy contributions to law and policy. Khan is an outspoken antitrust enforcement advocate and is recognized – both at home and abroad – for her work.

Read more about her work here ([link removed]) .

MPAC Recognizes International Day to Combat Islamophobia:
Four years ago, 51 people were killed, and another 40 injured, in a mass shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Following this tragedy, the United Nations commemorated March 15th as the UN’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia ([link removed]) . This day serves as a touchpoint to consider and learn about the hate, bigotry, and harassment Muslims, and those perceived to be Muslim, face around the world. Within the U.S. and abroad, the freedom to practice our faith belongs to each of us. MPAC condemns all acts of Islamophobia and will continue advocating for a future free from such hate.

Read the full statement
here ([link removed]) .


**
WHAT'S NEW: Women's History Month Recap
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Better Representation for Muslim Women:
"Are Muslim women well represented in politics?"
"...Well represented? Absolutely not!"
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To close out Women's History Month, our Policy Intern Qudsia Saeed spoke with American University students to find out how Muslim women are viewed across politics and media, and discuss how they can best be supported. Check out these interviews!

Watch the full video
here ([link removed]) .

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Sincerely,

Mohammad H. Ali
Director of Policy and Government Relations
MPAC

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