What we’re talking about is resisting despair and…resisting apathy and resisting hatred. 

-Warsan Shire, Muslim Advocates From Resistance to Renewal, October 4, 2024

Dear Friend,

A week ago, Muslim Advocates was joined by supporters, students, artists, and movement leaders for From Renewal to Resistance, an evening of art, community, and solidarity. We arrived with heavy hearts after witnessing a year of genocide in Gaza and an unrelenting domestic crackdown on dissent. But we left feeling renewed for the work ahead. The power of art inspired us to be resolute in our opposition to violence and impunity and defiant in our belief that justice and renewal are possible. 

This year has been characterized by principled resistance. We see university students on campuses across the country sacrificing so much to demand that their administrations divest from the genocide in Palestine. We see the emergence of a multi-racial, interfaith, and cross-generational movement to demand a ceasefire. We see movement workers responding to the needs of families seeking asylum at the border after facing unthinkable obstacles for a chance at safety and a brighter future. And in our own work–as we have for nearly 20 years–we have deepened our legal-advocacy responses to discriminatory surveillance, anti-Muslim targeting at the border, dehumanizing prisoner abuse, and other modes of discrimination. 

But our charge is not only to fight against injustice; it is to help build the power of our communities so we can thrive, free of silencing, fear, and indignity. This is the renewal we seek: the realization of our shared vision of a joyful, empowered, and unapologetic role in American life for Muslims and all the communities that Muslim Advocates serves. 

Muslim Advocates is at a crucial inflection point and we need your support. We are preparing for yet another election of profound consequence for Muslim communities. We continue to fight to defend the domestic movement in support of Palestinian lives and liberation. And in a few months, Muslim Advocates will arrive at its 20th anniversary. As a national social justice organization addressing the needs of Muslim and other targeted communities, our work is every bit as critical now as it was in 2005 when we were founded in the midst of the post-9/11 crisis.   

This year we aim to grow our grassroots support among donors. Will you join us and become a monthly supporter this year? Your gift of just $5 each month will help serve as a down payment on the future we hope to build for the generations following us. It drives our impact in the courtroom, beltway, and in communities around the country. We hope you will make your mark now by contributing to Muslim Advocates. We will put your contribution to work immediately.

A gift can be made online or by reaching out to our Development team at [email protected]. Thank you for supporting our urgent work to build a more just world for all.

Pictures taken by Little Blackbook Photography