Minnesota AG Keith Ellison joined us at the Emgage Florida Gala with a powerful keynote on courage, community, and civic power. His words reignited our shared commitment to justice and democracy. |
Salaam John,
As this season of renewal and purpose unfolds, our team at Emgage Action remains deeply committed to the work ahead—defending our rights, uplifting our communities, and advancing justice at every level. From pushing back against discriminatory legislation to protecting our fundamental freedoms, we continue this mission with your partnership and resolve.
Here’s what we’ve been working on—and how you can take action with us: |
🚨 Updates
🛑 Fighting Back Against Texas’s Discriminatory Land Law
Texas SB 17—a modern-day Alien Land Law—has now gone into effect, targeting immigrants from China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia by blocking them from owning property. This harmful law makes no exceptions for students, workers, or even asylees, and revives a shameful history of race-based exclusion.
Emgage Action continues to work alongside our coalition partners to resist the implementation of SB 17, defend the rights of impacted communities, and fight for policies rooted in equality—not xenophobia. |
⚠️ Thank Lawmakers That Stood Up For Freedom
Under HB 1519, if a student or professor is merely perceived to support boycotts of Israel, their entire institution risks losing public funding for a decade. 155 lawmakers voted yes. Only 5 defended the Constitution. ✊🏽 Thank the 5 who stood up for free speech.
🗣️ Congressional Pushback on the Detention of Mahmoud Khalil
With our coalition partners, we helped secure a congressional letter led by Reps. Jayapal, Raskin, and Scanlon, demanding accountability for the detention and attempted deportation of Mahmoud Khalil. This is a powerful stand for due process and free speech.
🔗 Read the letter and see who signed.
🗳️ Mobilizing Voters in Fort Bend County
As Election Day neared, our Texas team's Get Out the Vote (GOTV) team sprang into action—making phone calls, sending texts, and knocking on doors to empower our communities. Whether answering questions about polling locations or breaking down what was on the ballot, our team made sure voters had the information they needed to show up with confidence.
📞 22,167 phone calls made
💬 22,150 text messages sent
Thanks to these efforts, voter turnout in Fort Bend County reached 7.5% among registered voters—nearly double the turnout from last year’s May municipal election. In a time when every vote matters, our communities showed up and made their voices heard.
🇸🇩 Sudan Advocacy Week Our teach took to Capitol Hill today to demand urgent U.S. action on one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time.
From office to office, we’re uplifting Sudanese voices and calling for an immediate ceasefire, expanded humanitarian aid, and accountability for atrocities like the Zamzam massacre. |
📢 Statements 🗣️ Victory for Free Speech at University of Michigan
Felony charges have been dropped against 7 pro-Palestinian student protesters at University of Michigan. This is a major win for student advocacy and the right to dissent. We urge that all remaining charges be dropped immediately. 🔗 Read our full statement.
⚠️ Trump Admin Targets Johns Hopkins in Attack on Academic Freedom
Over $1 billion in federal funding is being cut from Johns Hopkins, threatening public health research in what appears to be political retaliation for universities allowing free speech regarding Palestine.
🔗 Read our statement.
🇸🇩 Turning Point in Sudan—and a Call for U.S. Action
Following the liberation of Khartoum from RSF forces, Sudan is at a crossroads. We’re calling on Congress to pass critical bills from Reps. Sara Jacobs and Gregory Meeks that provide accountability and a roadmap for peace.
🔗 Read more here. 🚨 Take action now.
🧓🏽 Social Security Cuts Are Harming Our Elders—We Must Act
The SSA is withholding entire checks to recover overpayments—often caused by agency error—while field offices close and calls go unanswered. For many Muslim American seniors, these benefits are a lifeline.
🔗 Read more here.
🎥 Palestinian Filmmaker Attacked and Detained for Telling the Truth
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of No Other Land, was assaulted by Israeli settlers and unjustly detained. His only “crime” was documenting the truth. We stand with him and all those resisting silencing and violence.
🔗 Read our statement.
💔 Hundreds Killed in Gaza as Ceasefire Collapses
With over 400 lives lost in a single day, Israeli airstrikes have resumed in Gaza, marking one of the deadliest periods since late 2023. We demand an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.
🔗 Read more here.
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📅 Upcoming Events
🌟 Emgage New York Metro Gala: United in Our Journey Forward
May 17, 2025 | 5 PM – 9 PM
A night of inspiration, service, and leadership with community advocates. Featuring Yasmin Elhady, Maysoon Zayid, and Imam Ammar Abdul Rahman Sold out!
🗣️ Beyond the Headlines: Perspectives on Syria
May 23, 2025 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Join us for an evening of reflection, policy insights, and action as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing Syria today.
📍 ADAMS Center, Sterling, VA Register here 📣 Michigan Muslim Advocacy Day
June 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM
📍 Michigan State Capitol, Lansing, MI
Join us to engage directly with lawmakers, advocate for policy priorities, and make your voice heard!
Register here |
The path ahead is difficult, but we walk it together—with courage, conviction, and community. Thank you for staying informed and engaged. Let's keep pushing for equity and peace—for all. |
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Sincerely, Wa'el Alzayat
CEO, Emgage Action |
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