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Dear John,
Thanks to your steadfast investment, 2021 has been a year of continuing social impact. Our presence in the rooms where decisions are made means more inclusive and thoughtful government policies and more authentic portrayals in Hollywood. Inclusive government policies mean: COVID vaccine sites at local mosques in cooperation with FEMA; it means law enforcement that acts with fairness and integrity when prosecuting crimes; and it means policies driven by our shared values. Our Hollywood Bureau ensures that all American Muslims walk with pride in the positive and inclusive narratives that describe the multi-racial, multi-ethnic diversity of our identity.
Here are some highlights from our year thus far:
1. COVID-19 Community Corps
American Muslims are vital contributors to the fabric of our nation, and it was our privilege to represent their voices as a founding member of the H.H.S. COVID-19 Community Corps, by invitation of the White House. As a result of the COVID Community Corps, mosques and leaders from within our American Muslim community were contacted by FEMA and other state and federal authorities to hold vaccine clinics and educate all Americans about our communal responsibility to keep one another safe.
Hear more about the COVID-19 Community Corps →
2. Television Screenwriting Lab for Black Muslim Writers
For years the standard depiction of American Muslim narratives has either minimized and/or erased the experience of the 20% of American Muslims living at the intersection of race and spiritual identity as Black Muslims. The Diaspora of African Muslim writers were often faced with choices about which aspect of their identity they wanted to highlight. This Screenwriting Lab, which was in partnership with the Blackhouse Foundation and sponsored by Participant Media, allowed for the fullness of their identity and the complete authenticity of their voices with nuanced depictions of their experiences.
Speakers and facilitators of the lab left with an increased awareness of the contributions of Black Muslims, and a rising interest in these authentic narratives that are so needed today.
Learn about these writers →
3. Challenging the Double Standards of FTO v DTO Prosecution
In June, we presented our joint report with Emgage Action, The Double Standards of U.S. FTO vs. DTO Prosecution, in the United States Capitol. The report details the double standards of terrorism prosecution that have long existed between FTO (Foreign Terrorist Organization) prosection and DTO (Domestic Terrorist Organization) prosecution and provides recommendations on how to effectively counter the threat of white supremacy, in the hopes of keeping Americans out of harm's way, and ensuring that Muslim communities are not unfairly and disproportionately targeted. By being a voice at the table for American Muslims where prosecution and enforcement guidelines are drafted, we can ensure that fewer injustices are perpetrated not only against us but against any American.
Read the report →
4. The Muslim House at The Sundance Film Festival
Following in the footsteps of other communities, MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau created a hub for all things Muslims at the Sundance Film Festival with the inaugural year of The Muslim House. We were able to bring together the multi-ethnic, multi-racial stories of the American Muslim community and to highlight their varied and authentic voices. Industry executives and producers looked to The Muslim House and MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau as conveners of not only American Muslim stories but of a myriad of talented filmmakers and creatives.
5. The Muslim List - Showcasing Muslim Voices
MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau partnered with The Black List and The Pillars Fund to create The Muslim List, the very first resource in Hollywood to highlight the best unproduced screenplays written by Muslim screenwriters. With over 200 submissions of TV Pilots and Feature Film Screenplays, the competition truly brought out the lived experience of the Muslim writers. Ten amazing winners were selected for The Muslim List, which represented its inaugural cohort.
Read more about The Muslim List →
6. Muslim Voter Poll
We are thrilled to announce the new survey we produced in partnership with Emgage, which encapsulates the views of over 500 American Muslim voters on a wide range of domestic and foreign policies. The results of the poll show a nuanced view of American Muslims as a progressive electorate driven by human rights, social justice, and equality. This information enables us to better advocate for the programs and policies that are at the core of our shared values.
Learn more about the results of the Muslim Voter Poll →
Upcoming:
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