[link removed]
#XQRTCKDK
#XQRTCKDK

Dear John,

Last week, just outside Washington, D.C., our annual Empowering Voices Awards brought together a room full of people committed to justice, leadership, and public service. It was an unforgettable evening honoring not only where we’ve been, but where we’re headed.

From the beginning, the energy in the room was palpable. Our host, artist and storyteller Omar Offendum, opened the night with intention, humor, and heart, setting the tone for an evening rooted in courage and connection.
[link removed]

We presented Empowering Voices Awards to individuals whose work has shaped narratives, shifted power, and inspired action:
* Mahmoud Khalil and Amy Greer, whose landmark legal fight against Mahmoud’s unlawful detention by ICE sparked national outrage and became a defining civil rights case in the struggle against state overreach and political retaliation

[link removed]
* Ibrahim Bharmal and Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, Harvard students and organizers who faced criminal charges for peaceful protest, and whose resolve in the face of institutional backlash exemplifies the power of youth-led advocacy

[link removed]
* Sharaf Mawjood, a CBS News producer and journalist whose commitment to telling nuanced, underrepresented stories is helping reshape how Muslim communities are seen and heard in mainstream media

[link removed]

Watch our introduction to Sharaf Mowjood

One of the highlights of the evening was our fireside conversation featuring MPAC Vice President Haris Tarin, Rep. Delia Ramirez, Rep. Joe Jackson, and MPAC Board Chair Sofiya Ghori-Ahmed. Together, they reflected on what it means to lead with conviction—and how faith, identity, and public service can align to build a better future.
[link removed]

We also surprised our President, Salam Al-Marayati, with the first-ever Dr. Maher Hathout Trailblazer Award, in recognition of his decades of visionary leadership. It was a deeply moving tribute, honoring Salam’s tireless commitment to the ideals Dr. Hathout championed: mercy, justice, and a principled American Muslim voice in public life.
[link removed]

Watch our tribute to MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati

Although he was unable to join us in person, Senator Chris Van Hollen, one of the Senate’s most principled and influential voices on justice, human rights, and democratic values, recorded a special message for the occasion. His remarks underscore the importance of MPAC’s work, the strength of American Muslim civic engagement, and his unwavering support for our community. We are honored to share his message with you here:
[link removed]

View Senator Van Hollen’s message to Empowering Voices

These moments, and the community that made them possible, are a reminder of what we are building together.

Events like Empowering Voices are not just celebrations. They are investments in the future of our community’s voice in media, policy, and public discourse. And they only happen with your support.
Make a Year-End Gift ([link removed])

If you believe in lifting leaders, amplifying truth, and protecting the freedoms we all rely on, please consider contributing today.

With gratitude,
The MPAC Team

Follow us.
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
Support Our Work ([link removed])

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council ([link removed]) improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our policy analysts provide insight from D.C. to the palm of your hand on the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims. Email is an important way for us to communicate with supporters like you. Should you want to stop hearing from us or change your preferences, click here to Update your contact info ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed]) .

View this email online. ([link removed])