Ramadan Mubarak

As we experience our second Ramadan during this challenging time in our country, I wish you and your loved ones a blessed and healthy month of reflection, rejuvenation, and joy.

2020 was exceptionally difficult for millions of Americans and, like so many, I came into this year hoping to see meaningful progress on economic and racial justice. Although we are still far away from being the best version of our society, I remain optimistic that we are on a path towards shared well-being for all Americans. My optimism largely comes from the Muslim community’s increased civic activism. More and more Muslims are becoming community leaders and, as such, are positively impacting the public narrative on issues like housing, incarceration, immigration, health care, and economic justice.

Skokie Board of Education member Bushra Amiwala, the nation’s youngest Muslim elected official and a Jetpac alumni, is featured in an ABC docuseries for the inspiring impact she has had in her brief time as a public servant.

The bold advocacy of Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib has pushed the House of Representatives to pass transformative policies on COVID-19 relief, voting rights, and workers rights. Congresswoman Omar is also using her platform to counter decades of war propaganda that harms Muslims around the world.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison quickly upgraded the murder charges against Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd, and filed aiding and abetting charges against the three officers who stood by and watched.

Montgomery Township Mayor Sadaf Jaffer, the country’s first Muslim woman mayor, helped create and implement a plan to help Montgomery Township maintain some of the lowest COVID-19 infection and fatality rates in New Jersey.

Virginia State Legislator Sam Rasoul, the first Muslim elected to the Virginia State Legislature, passed the state’s Safe Drinking Water Act, and legislation to increase vaccine capacity and access to healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Behind these inspiring public servants is a growing community of Muslim political staffers, public policy advocates, and grassroots organizers. Muslim leaders are helping rebuild and nurture their communities. That is why we believe so strongly in the value of building a pipeline of Muslim changemakers, and we are excited that our Public Service Fellowship this year will feature influential speakers and expert lecturers who will train future public leaders.

Our important work is made possible by generous donors who are committed to increasing Muslim representation in community organizing, politics, and government. We ask for your continued support during this time so we may continue to expand our impact. Please consider becoming a $25 monthly donor or an annual donor at $300. Your contribution is helping build a better future for our country and Muslims around the world.

In Solidarity,

Mohammed Missouri

Executive Director, Jetpac Resource Center