Dear John,

Last week, MPAC had the honor of hosting our 2024 Empowering Voices Awards Gala. This inspiring evening brought together government officials, civil society leaders, grassroots activists, and community members from across the country.  

We came together to celebrate and learn from a remarkable group of individuals whose steadfast dedication to truth and justice inspires us all. The atmosphere in the room was electric, a powerful reminder that when we unite in purpose and passion, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.  

Our honorees and speakers included: 

• Shireen Abu Akleh was posthumously honored for her fearless journalism and commitment to uncovering the truth, even in the face of grave danger.
• Senator Bernie Sanders received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of advocacy for justice, fairness, and his support of the American Muslim community.
• Krystal Ball was celebrated for her independent journalism, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in safeguarding democracy.
• UK Member of Parliament Naz Shah, who was lauded for her steadfast work in countering Islamophobia, systemic injustice, and for championing the rights of marginalized communities delivered the keynote.
• Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress, addressed our guests and advocated for an immediate end to the genocide in Gaza.

Empowering Voices serves as a powerful reminder of the work ahead. This event was more than a moment of recognition—it marked the beginning of a movement, a call to action, and a commitment to shaping our community’s role in Washington. D.C.

Moving forward, we are committed to turning this momentum into meaningful progress. Our mission is clear—to amplify the voices of our community and drive tangible change. We begin its pursuit with the launch of our first 100 day agenda.

This is a defining moment for the American Muslim community—a time to harness our collective strength and reaffirm our role in shaping a just and inclusive society.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your support fuels our ability to amplify the voices that challenge injustice, advocate for truth, and champion dignity for all. To continue building on the momentum of Empowering Voices, we need your partnership. Your contribution—no matter the amount—ensures that we can keep fighting for policies and narratives that reflect the values we all hold dear. Together, we can turn inspiration into action. Donate today and join us in shaping a future defined by justice, equality, and inclusion.

In Gratitude,

Haris Tarin
VP, Policy and Programming