Wilson Center Features American Muslim Public Officials

April 4, 2013


In March 2013, the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. held a half-day conference on American Muslim public officials. The Center featured six American Muslim public officials from around the country, including Judges Halim Dhanidina and David Shaheed, Mayors Abdul Haidous, Mohammed Hameeduddin and Wayne Smith and City Council Member Robert Jackson.

Watch: American Muslim Local Officials: Challenges and Opportunities

MPAC was recognized as a contributor to the event in identifying American Muslim public officials. The leaders spoke about their journeys to their current positions and what sparked their interests in public service in the first place. Additionally, they talked about the challenges and new doors they faced as they sought reelection. Dhanidina relayed his journey to becoming California’s first Muslim judge, a fact reported by Governor Brown’s office and applauded by the MPAC.

The Wilson Center event was the first of its kind in recognizing American Muslim officials beyond the beltway. When Washingtonians think of American Muslim officials, usually the names of Representatives Keith Ellison and André Carson come to mind. This event recognized the increasing number of American Muslims entering the political arena at the local, state and federal level. 

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