Non-partisan organization ensuring that underrepresented communities have equal constitutional rights
Non-partisan organization ensuring that underrepresented communities have equal constitutional rights, social privileges, and political opportunities.
The House passed an amendment that would block the State Department from referencing Gaza Health Ministry death tolls, which could silence discussions on the war's casualties. Our chapter urges the community to contact the elected officials who voted yes and let them know we oppose this censorship. Learn more at bit.ly/EmgageCAAction.
Our recent polling with Institute for Social Policy and Understanding - ISPU found that the war in Gaza is a top issue for the Muslim community and a key determinant for how they’ll be voting.
This research was conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) in partnership with Change Research, with generous support and partnership from the Emgage Foundation.
might seem scary, but it’s not the first time Muslims have faced harmful laws and policies.
For decades, especially after 9/11, Islamophobia has seeped into American culture through racist policies, disinformation, and fear-mongering, leading to prejudice.
Understanding this history of anti-Muslim sentiments in America is crucial. It helps us see the systems of discrimination that exist today and recognize how laws impact our daily lives. By understanding the decisions of our leaders, we can better fight for a more equitable future. ✊🏽
This November, there’s a lot on the line. Let’s make sure we’re ready to vote for the change we want to see. 🗳️
Learn more about how you can take action today at https://millionmuslimvotes.com/
The rights to free speech and peaceful assembly are fundamental and must be respected by every level of government. Emgage Action condemns Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s proposed Houston ordinance, which would ban focused picketing or the use of amplified sound within 200 yards (600 feet) of any residential building or unit. This ordinance would effectively ban protests in neighborhoods or mixed-use areas where businesses and residences are intermingled. Mayor Whimire’s proposal comes after months of public protests demanding his support for a ceasefire resolution at Houston City Council. To make matters worse, the Mayor attempted to quickly push through this ordinance with little discussion or public comment at the end of July.
“It's disappointing to see Mayor Whitmire prioritizing the minor discomfort of politicians over the legitimate concerns of Houston residents. Our communities cannot stand by and watch as our constitutional rights to free speech are stripped away by public officials who have sworn to protect them. We urge Mayor Whitmire to abandon this ordinance and instead focus on listening to the concerns of Houston residents. Our communities shouldn't have to rely on protests to be heard—our voices and our concerns must be addressed.” stated Emgage Texas Senior Advisor, Amatullah Contractor.
This proposed ordinance is unnecessary as well as unconstitutional. Texas law already contains criminal penalties for obstructing sidewalks, creating unreasonable noise, and other types of “disorderly conduct.” On top of state law, existing City of Houston ordinances restrict noise, types of light, and other disturbances in residential areas. By proposing an absolute ban on residential-area protests, Mayor Whitmire makes it clearer than ever that he prioritizes his own comfort and the comfort of government officials who chose to represent the public over the public’s basic freedoms. Peaceful protestors in Houston already face police harassment and sudden arrests as they exercise their rights; Mayor Whitmire and other elected officials should not be able to use their positions to insulate themselves from public opinion further.
The ordinance is on the Houston City Council agenda for Tuesday, August 13. If you would like to speak at the City Council meeting, sign up by 3:00 PM on Monday, August 12 by emailing [email protected] or calling 832.393.1100. The full agenda will be posted at least 3 days prior.
This November, we are committed to defeating Donald Trump and are calling on young Muslim voters to help create the future we all dream of.
Join the largest Muslim voter mobilization effort in the country! Together, let's make our voices heard and vote for change.💪🏽🗳️
https://millionmuslimvotes.com/
We are turning out one million Muslim voters for the 2020 elections. Join us.
Emgage Action condemns the recent Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, which has tragically claimed the lives of over 100 civilians, including women and children. This atrocity highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for action.
The United States is set to provide Israel with $3.5 billion for military equipment—funding that directly contributes to the violence we are witnessing. This unconditional aid must end. We cannot continue to support actions that result in the mass killing of civilians.
We urgently call for an immediate ceasefire. Any presidential candidate who seeks to win the Muslim vote, which is particularly influential in swing states, must condemn this unjust killing and advocate for a ceasefire. The time to stand for justice and human rights is now.
After nearly four years, Clark vs. City of New York has been settled. The lawsuit came after countless members of our community were subject to forceful removal of their religious head-coverings during booking photos by the NYPD. As a result of the settlement, individuals who were forced to remove their religious head-coverings for booking photos by the NYPD between March 16, 2024 and August 13, 2021 are eligible to receive compensation of $7,824 or more. Eligible class members must submit a claim by September 26, 2024. File your claim here: https://www.headcoveringcase.com/File-Your-Claim-Form/PageControl/InformationPage?nvep=&hmac=&emci=fbc6f6f8-e750-ef11-991a-6045bddbfc4b&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=
Throwback to our team registering voters at the annual Suffolk County Muslim Heritage festival! We worked with young community members to reimagine the community and tell us what changes they want to see!
Our team is excited to have Mehdi Hasan headline our gala. We’re looking forward to bringing the community together in this critical movement and fostering dialogue. Save the date for September 7th and RSVP @ bit.ly/EmgageVirginiasGala
We're excited about our upcoming Legislative Advocacy 101 on Saturday, August 17 from 11:30AM to 1:30PM at the Tracy Gee Community Center, Room A 3599 Westcenter Dr. Houston, TX 77042. Join us and get prepared to participate in the Texas lawmaking process. Co-hosted by the office of Texas Representative Gene Wu. Register at: bit.ly/emgagetxadvocacy101
We're excited about our upcoming event, our Emgage Texas Young Professionals Social, Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 6PM to 8PM Cafe Caspian
12126 Westheimer Rd # 100, Houston, TX 77077. We're looking forward to chatting with our community. Register @ bit.ly/emgageypsaug15
Despite Hill Harper’s tough loss in Michigan, Emgage takes tremendous pride in supporting his campaign. Harper stands for policies that empower ALL communities.
Despite Cori Bush’s difficult loss, Emgage Action is proud to have stood by her campaign against deep-pocketed opponents trying to unseat her.
This setback won't deter us. We will keep fighting to ensure Muslim voices are heard. ✊🏽
Join us for a crucial discussion with Congress members and experts on the pressing concerns of the Muslim American community.
Our panel or Congress members and experts will share insights on the state of the Muslim vote and the importance political engagement, specifically within the context of distrust with the Democratic Party, international human rights, and Middle East policy.
Sign up now: bit.ly/muslimvote2024
Governor Tim Walz is a progressive leader who has shown he will fight to protect families, women, children, workers, and more. By fighting back against Islamophobia and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, he also isn't afraid to stand up for what is right.
This decision shows the voices of Muslims and other marginalized communities were heard and listened to👏🏽 We commend Kamala Harris and her team for selecting a running mate that represents the people.
Walz, 60, is joining Harris during one of the most turbulent periods in modern American politics.
We are witnessing an alarming rise in Islamophobia across the nation.
Over the last nine months, elected officials have villanized pro-Palestine campus protesters, failed to condemn the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, and enabled disinformation and lied about death tolls.
We deserve elected officials who stand up for the Muslim and Arab American communities.
It is time for us to unite and fight for leaders who prioritize morals over money and advocate for justice and human rights.
Join us in the movement to combat hate and promote solidarity, by visiting our site https://emgageaction.org/
Emgage Action welcomes Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Governor Walz’s leadership on critical issues such as a ceasefire in Gaza, healthcare access, environmental protection, and immigration reform, coupled with his unique ability to unite communities in divisive times, makes him an outstanding choice.
🗣️ St. Louis, you're up! A vote for Bush on August 6th is a vote for progressive change
AIPAC, a pro-Israel super PAC is spending millions to unseat because she had the courage to stand up for what is right and call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
At Emgage, we believe in leaders who are willing to fight for justice, peace, and human rights. That's why we're officially endorsing Bush for re-election in Missouri's 1st District.
Learn more about how you can get involved and support her campaign:
Find events, petitions, volunteer opportunities, fundraisers and more with Cori Bush for Congress.
Over the last few months, our wonderful team of organizers has door-knocked throughout southeast Michigan to ensure high voter turnout ahead of the primary and general elections. We are incredibly proud of the work they accomplished, with over 10,000 doors knocked and counting. Find your polling location at michigan.gov/vote and be sure to cast your ballot tomorrow!
Kamala Harris needs to gain the support of key swing states, like Michigan, and while she has not strayed from Biden on foreign policy with Israel since she began her own campaign for the presidency, she has struck a stronger tone on the suffering of Palestinians.
“Where the door was closed with President Biden, the door has slightly cracked open with Kamala Harris,” said Abdullah H. Hammoud, the first Arab American mayor of Dearborn, Mich. “I think the cracking of the door really allows an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.”
“I also want to vote my conscience, and I want to make sure that who I am voting for shares my values and shares the values of cease-fire, and shares the values of Palestinian self-determination, and shares our values of human rights,” said Nada Al Hanooti with Emgage.
According to our organizing data, Michigan has more than 200,000 registered voters who are Muslim, which could be enough to swing the state. Biden won Michigan by more than 154,000 votes in 2020. Read more here:https://emgageusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Emgage-ImpactReport-2020-v2.4-lr-1.pdf
Read more in the The New York Times here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/03/us/politics/harris-israel-arab-american-voters.html
Vice President Kamala Harris has not strayed from President Biden on Israel policy, but she has taken a stronger tone on the suffering of Palestinians.
Emgage is excited to share our 2023 Impact Report! Check out our work on Palestine, data, programming, highlights and more! https://emgageusa.org/2024/07/29/2023-annual-report/
is looking forward to hosting events to connect with our community all month. Check out some of our upcoming events here and keep an eye out for more information!
Our team is excited to share our upcoming Gala Luncheon with Hasan . We’re looking forward to bringing the community together for impactful discourse about the triumphs and challenges this year. RSVP @ bit.ly/EmgagePALuncheon
Attention Michigan voters, early voting has begun! Check out some new election laws and how they will impact your trip to the ballot box this year!
What do Muslim voters care most about? The answer, overwhelmingly, is Gaza.
The new survey of Muslim voters in swing states shows the war in Gaza is by far the most critical issue this election cycle. 61% of all Muslims surveyed named Gaza as a top policy priority, regardless of age, gender, nativity, political affiliation, or race.
Other key findings:
• Muslim support shifted from Biden before he dropped out, with just 18% of Muslims in Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania who voted for Biden in 2020 saying they planned to vote for him again in 2024.
• Muslim voters overwhelmingly see support for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza as a reason to vote for a candidate.
• Few Muslim voters who abandoned Biden planned to switch sides of the aisle and vote for Trump, whose support among Muslims in swing states remains fairly unchanged from 2020.
• A strong majority of Muslim swing voters (83%) —that is, those who did not plan to vote for the Democratic or Republican nominee-say support for staying out of foreign conflicts would make them more likely to vote for that candidate.
Find more information at https://emgageusa.org/2024/07/31/exclusive-preview-winning-muslim-votes-a-policy-priority-analysis-in-swing-states/ or at the link in our bio.
This research was conducted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) in partnership with Change Research, with generous support and partnership from the Emgage Foundation.
Who will Muslim voters choose in November, and why? Emgage and Institute for Social Policy and Understanding - ISPU fielded a survey in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia between June 20 and July 8, 2024, providing a crucial look at the policy priorities of Muslim voters.
is excited to share our endorsements from Florida.
This year's presidential election will have paramount impacts on our democracy, rights, and future as a country.
The next administration will most likely nominate 2 new Supreme Court Justices who will deliver rulings on immigration, religious freedoms, and anti-discrimination.
We've already seen how a slim conservative-majority Supreme Court can make decisions that affect us directly, and we cannot afford to lose more ground on our rights.
We're urging Muslim Americans across the nation to stand up and take action because our vote has never been more important or powerful. Click below to learn more about how you can make sure you're prepared for the polls this November to VOTE and demand that our voices be heard:
We are turning out one million Muslim voters for the 2020 elections. Join us.
We are witnessing an alarming rise in Islamophobia across the nation.
Over the last nine months, elected officials have villanized pro-Palestine campus protesters, failed to condemn the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza, and enabled disinformation and lied about death tolls.
We deserve elected officials who speak out and stand up for the Muslim and Arab American communities.
It is time for us to unite and fight for leaders who prioritize morals over money and advocate for justice and human rights.
Join us in the movement to combat hate and promote solidarity, by visiting our site at emgageaction.org
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Emgage posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Former President Trump appears to have been injured by a bullet at a campaign rally. While we are still waiting for more facts to emerge, there is no place for political violence in America. We wish Trump a speedy recovery.
Emgage Action urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and a halt to the supply of offensive weapons to Israel. Joe Biden and Congress must act now: 1. Secure a permanent ceasefire. 2. Hold the Israeli government accountable for its assault on vulnerable Palestinians. 3. Ensure US military aid complies with international law and isn’t used against civilians. Take action now: bit.ly/RafahCeasefire
#EmgageFlorida’s 2024 Gala brought together esteemed elected officials, leaders, community organizers and partners, and more! From shared struggles to soaring victories, this space was a testament to the power of community. Support us at https://bit.ly/EmgageFLC4
Michigan’s successful uncommitted campaign, led by Listen To Michigan, is a great prototype for the rest of the country. The Uncommitted vote allows us to 1) show our unity and organization and 2) win delegates for the convention. Learn more about the impact here!
“The administration is not enforcing its own policy, it says it wants a de-escalation, it is telling Israel not to harm civilians, it is saying it wants more aid going to Gaza but none of that is happening. Yet we are not withholding any assistance and in fact, we’re bypassing Congress by sending more aid, it doesn’t make any sense. We either mean what we say or we don’t, and the actions right now show that we don’t,” said Emgage CEO Wa’el Alzayat on BBC News UK.
🚨Attention Michigan Voters🚨Please get to the polls and have your voice heard!
Join us for a powerful Virtual Town Hall: "Honoring the Legacy of Black Muslims" featuring an esteemed panel of luminaries and thought leaders. Our distinguished guests include Salima Suswell, our PA Executive Director; the insightful Dr. Su'ad Abdul Khabeer; the eloquent Ubaydullah Evans; the inspiring Ilyasah Shabazz; the visionary Ayesha K. Mustafa; the revered Imam Sundiata Rashid; and the captivating Moses the Comic. This gathering is a unique opportunity to celebrate the profound contributions of Black Muslims to our community and to engage in meaningful dialogue about their enduring legacy. Let's come together to uplift, inspire, and learn from these remarkable voices. Don't miss out on this momentous occasion to honor their achievements and to further our understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage of Black Muslims.
Your voice matters! Keep calling, emailing and reaching out to your elected officials every day to demand an immediate ceasefire! Emgage Board Member, Marrayam Khera, delivered another public comment this week urging Jersey City Council to reintroduce a ceasefire resolution that failed to pass in December. Her testimony included powerful quotes from Palestinian Journalists Bisan Owda and one of Gaza's youngest Journalists, Lama Abu Jamous, "She (Lama) smiles brightly in every single one of her pictures and videos and if she's scared, she doesn't let the world see it...Be brave like Lama and bring back the ceasefire resolution to Jersey City."
Emgage Board Member, Marrayam Khera, urged Jersey City Council to reintroduce a ceasefire resolution during a recent meeting after it failed to pass. Her testimony included powerful quotes from Palestinian Journalists Bisan Owda and Hind Khoudary. In a diverse city like Jersey City with a vibrant Arab and Muslim community, Marrayam emphasized the importance of elected officials listening to their constituents’ demands to put Jersey City’s support behind a ceasefire resolution. She thanked Councilmen Saleh, Gilmore and Boggiano for supporting the initial resolution and urged the other members to be brave, reminding them it’s not too late to help save lives.
"We need international intervention here, international mediation, that puts us on a more credible path toward resolution of the root causes of this conflict -- which did not begin on Oct. 7th and absolutely is rooted in Israel's occupation of Palestinians and denial of their right to self-determination," said Wa'el Alzayat, Emgage CEO, to BBC News.
“We have one year for politicians to get their act together. Right now, we have about 15,000 Palestinians dead in Gaza, 6,000 of which are children. Come 2024, our Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities will not forget."
#EmgageNewYorkMetro was thrilled to host this Fireside Chai with Jimmy Small and Ibrahim Small. Check out some of our highlights from the discussion below.
Please watch this special episode of #SalimasSixtySeconds on the ongoing humanitarian crises around the world and how you can spread awareness.
Wa’el Alzayat on BBC News speaking on peace talks.
"Voting is how we have our voice in our democracy." Did you miss last night's Fireside Chai event on multigenerational activism? You're in luck! Check out a recording of the event here: Special thanks to Emgage New York Metro Senior Advisor Dr. Debbie Almontaser and Board members Afsheen Shamsi and Faheemah El-Amin!
“This isn’t on Muslim voters. This is on the Administration.” Wa'el Alzayat on PBS NewsHour
The majority of Americans support a ceasefire, and are deeply disappointed that it hasn't happened yet. Watch Wa'el Alzayat on Al Jazeera English:
This cannot continue. Ceasefire now.
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington
18th Street NW, Washington D.C.
