Since its inception in 1988, MPAC has improved understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our vision is that America is enriched by the vital contributions of American Muslims.
We provide a glimpse here of our efforts to improve the society in which we live for all Americans by working to inspire an active, bright element of America’s pluralism – Muslim Americans – into a life of service.
August 19, 2022 – One Year Later: Providing Support for Afghans and Afghanistan
MPAC held a roundtable discussion, One Year Later: Providing Support for Afghans and Afghanistan, reflecting on the anniversary of the US withdrawal and support of Afghans and Afghanistan.
August 12, 2022 – MPAC Condemns the Attack on Author, Salman Rushdie
MPAC issued a statement condemning the attack on Salman Rushdie, citing the freedom of expression that is woven into the very fabric of our faith. MPAC has been a vanguard of the right of freedom of speech, tracing our work back to 1989 when we spoke out against the fatwa issued against Mr. Rushdie.
August 11, 2022 – Candlelight Vigil In Honor of the Albuquerque Victims
Following the murder of four Shia Muslim men in Albuquerque, NM MPAC condemned the heinous act of violence that was fueled by anti-Shia sentiments. In the wake of these attacks, we joined the Council on American Islamic Relations, California Shia Muslim Council, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, and the Church of Latter Day Saints at Islamic Educational Center of Orange County for a candlelight vigil and prayer and a message of unity in honor of the victims.
June 10, 2022 – National American Muslim Policy Conference
MPAC co-hosted the inaugural National American Muslim Policy Conference which brought together elected officials, experts, and leaders from across the nation to discuss our community’s policy priorities and needs.
May 13, 2022 – Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan Visits Southern California
The Los Angeles American Muslim community gathered at the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) to hear from Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, as he addressed the community of Los Angeles.
January 21, 2022 – Interfaith Leaders Join to Protest Violence
In the wake of the attack on the synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, we will join together with a group of multi faith leaders in solidarity to protest hate, violence, and polarization.
January 7, 2022 – Reflections From MPAC on the Anniversary of January 6th
MPAC launched a campaign defending American values so no race, no ethnicity, no religion will sabotage our Constitution, renewing our pledge towards the pursuit of a pluralistic society that enriches America with the innumerable contributions of its inhabitants and exemplifies the universal values of mercy, justice, peace, human dignity, freedom, and equality for all.
December 6 – 9, 2021 – Empowering Afghans: Reframing the Narrative and Providing Support
MPAC and the Afghan-American Foundation hosted a 4 day virtual summit to discuss key issues relating to the crisis in Afghanistan and its impact in the United States. Empowering Afghans: Reframing the Narrative and Providing Support is a summit designed to elevate leading Afghan and Afghan-American voices. We identified tangible solutions and highlighted organizations doing critical response work in the United States and Afghanistan.
Sep 14, 2021 – MPAC Hosted – State of American Muslim Civic Life: 20 Years After 9/11
Civil society groups and the federal government have worked hand in hand over the past two decades in the response to 9/11, both on reforming our intelligence capabilities and our military and diplomatic response. To speak further on each of those, MPAC convened a panel discussion with Hamid Khan, a professor of law at the University of Michigan Law School and previously served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Departments of State and Defense.
Between our two panelists, we presented our audience with a 360-degree perspective in a bipartisan way of what happened after 9/11, why certain decisions were made, and reflections on what went well and what should have been done differently.
August 12, 2021 – MPAC joins Leadership Conf. and Bend The Arc, Jewish Action in joint letter rejecting anti-Muslim bias against Dilawar Syed Nomination
In partnership with over 200 National organizations, MPAC joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights along with Bend the Arc Jewish Action in a letter of support for Dilawar Syed to be nominated as Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration.
August 15, 2021 – MPAC hosted Repercussions of Taliban Takeover of Afghanistan: What the U.S. Should Do
In the wake of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, MPAC convened a panel discussion with experts who shared their experiences as Afghan-Americans and their work in senior roles in government and civil society and discussed what we needed to do to secure the lives of Afghan citizens who were facing near-certain death and torture.
July 30, 2021 – White House Nominates and Appoints American Muslims to Key Senior Diplomatic & Religious Affairs Roles
MPAC issued a statement applauding the Biden Administration for continuing to fulfill its promise to make the federal government more representative of the rich diversity of America as well as commemorating former MPAC intern Rashad Hussain on White House Nomination as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
July 22, 2021 – Oslo: The Tipping Point of Global White Nationalism
MPAC held a webinar addressing the rise of global white supremacy through the gaze of the terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway in 2011. This event invited two experts from Norway, Sindre Bangstad and Torkel Brekke as well as Daryl Johnson, a strong advocate against white supremacy. This panel discussed what counterterrorism policy can be taken in order to address one of the most imminent threats this world faces.
July 20, 2021 – Press Conference on DTO-FTO
On Eid Al-Adha MPAC held a press conference in conjunction with Emgage on Capitol Hill presenting their report, The Double Standards of US FTO vs. DTO Prosecution. This conference provided recommendations on how to effectively counter the threat of white supremacy and protect Muslim communities from being disproportionately and unfairly targeted.
July-August 2021 – Palestine Speaker Series
MPAC in partnership with the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) developed a two month summer lecture series with experts exploring topics such as the history of Palestine to the evolution of Zionism to human rights policy actions.
July 8, 2021 – The Voice of Church: MPAC hosts a webinar on the civic power of the Church
MPAC hosted a webinar consisting of faith leaders Rev. Kirkpatrick Tyler, from The Mighty Saint Mark AME Church, Rev. Bryson White from Faith in the Valley, Pastor Andrew Richards from Saddleback Church, and Gregory Khalil, president and co-founder of Telos. These panelists discussed the civic power of the Church’s congregants and the role the church plays in protecting its members.
May 13, 2021 – Interfaith leaders convene on struggles of Palestinians
On Eid Al-Fitr, MPAC held an event bringing together Muslim-Jewish-Christian faith leaders addressing the struggles of Palestinians and Americans for civil rights and liberties.
October 15, 2020 – MPAC begins a webinar series
With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, MPAC created webinars to educate and engage the public on issues related to mental health, politics, spirituality and health care. Past webinars include town halls on getting the vote out for Arizona Muslims, dismantling ant-Shi’ism, Black Lives Matter and human security within Palestine.
September 1, 2020 – MPAC gives congressional testimony on appointment of Gibbs in OPM
MPAC delivered congressional testimony asking to reconsider the nomination of John Gibbs as part of the OPM due to his public statements critiquing individuals of the Muslim faith. MPAC articulated their fear that his appointment would create a non-inclusive atmosphere in one of the most important government agencies.
August 7, 2020 – Connie Rice joins MPAC’s Campaign for Human Security
Connie Rice, an award-winning civil rights lawyer and co-founder of the Advancement Project, a civil rights organization promoting racial equity and opportunity for all Californians, has joined MPAC as an advisor to the Campaign for Human Security.
April 14, 2020 – MPAC launches the Human Security Campaign
In light of all of the issues amplified by the coronavirus pandemic, MPAC created their Campaign for Human Security. This program transforms the idea of safety from one rooted in military action to one that centers the wellbeing of humans. This concept of human security aims to protect people from military threats and threats such as economic insecurity, which MPAC argues should be part of the state’s national security efforts as well. MPAC aims to pass human security legislation, create a United States Composite Index on Human Security and establish the Office of Human Security by working with federal agencies, civil society and the US government.
March 20, 2020 – MPAC releases joint statement on easing Iran sanctions
MPAC released a statement in coalition with several other civic engagement organizations calling on the Trump administration to loosen their sanctions on Iran for 120 days in order to aid the Iranian people against coronavirus.
March 3, 2020 – MPAC creates a 2020 Muslim Voter Guide
MPAC created a voter guide for the 2020 presidential election to help Muslims navigate through the election. This guide included insights on where candidates stood on issues from civil rights and climate change to economy and foreign policy.
January 30, 2020 – Social impact panel at Sundance 2020 on American Muslim
MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau hosted a social impact panel at Sundance 2020 with Abigail Disney’s organization, Peace is Loud, around the documentary American Muslim, which follows the effects of the Muslim Ban on five American families. This panel was held on the anniversary of the first Muslim Ban.
November 1, 2019 – Statement on adding more countries to Muslim Ban
MPAC published a statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration is considering adding more countries to the Muslim Travel Ban.
July 31, 2019 – MPAC publishes policy paper on addressing white supremacist violence
In response to the violence against the LGBTQ, SIkh, African American, Jewish and American Muslim communities, MPAC published a policy paper examining the root of this violence. MPAC links this violence, anti-Semiticism, Islamophobia and infringement on the civil rights of various communities to white supremacy. This paper sees white supremacy as terrorism that policy makers, law enforcement and community leaders need to address.
May 16, 2019 – Congressional briefing on Muslim Ban Visa Waivers
MPAC held a Congressional briefing on the Muslim Ban Visa Waivers with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.
May 2, 2019 – MPAC has conference call with community and government leaders on safety services for Muslims during Ramadan
MPAC organized a conference call between mosque and community leaders and local, state and federal government and law enforcement officials in order create services that ensure safety and security for mosques and Muslim communities during Ramadan.
April 30, 2019 – MPAC prepares a Ramadan guide on mosque safety and security
MPAC created a guide for Muslim communities on how to protect mosques during the month of Ramadan.
April 10, 2019 – MPAC publishes policy paper on NO BAN Act
MPAC published a policy paper regarding the National Origin Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA). This bill terminates former President Trump’s Muslim Ban and other excutive orders banning entry on asylum seekers and refugees.
April 19, 2019 – MPAC provides congressional testimony on hate crimes and the rise of white nationalism
MPAC provided congressional testimony regarding the increase in hate crimes, and effect on Muslim and other minority communities. MPAC designates the root of this violence to the rise of white nationalism, a severe threat to this country, which is only bolstered by the rhetoric of the Trump administration.
January 28, 2019 – Muslim Ban Congressional Reception
In partnership with NILC, the ACLU and Oxfam MPAC hosted the Muslim Ban Congressional Reception.
December 20, 2018 – Letter to House of Representatives demanding review of Muslim Ban
MPAC, in coalition with 118 partner organizations, sent a letter urging the House of Representatives to hold an oversight hearing within the first 100 days of the 116th Congress to review the implementation of the Muslim Ban.
August 27, 2018 – MPAC publishes policy paper on hate crimes
MPAC published a policy paper addressing the rise in hate crimes, and those specifically targeted towards the American Muslim community. This paper also outlines and examines current hate crime laws along with recommendations on how to improve legislative efforts specific to this issue.
June 29, 2018 – Rally in LA against the Muslim Ban
MPAC held a rally in Los Angeles against the Muslim Ban.
June 28, 2018 – Publishes plan to continue to fight the Muslim Ban
After SCOTUS legalized anti-Muslim and xenophobia discimrination, MPAC published a plan to continue to fight the Muslim Ban by limiting the president’s power and demanding oversight to review, monitor and supervise implementing this ban.
June 27, 2018 – MPAC appears on CNN after SCOTUS Muslim travel ban ruling
Omar Noureldin, a legal analyst and MPAC Vice President and General Counsel appeared on CNN to explain the Muslim Ban and discussed its future.
June 25, 2018 – Rally protesting SCOTUS decision to uphold Muslim Ban
MPAC worked with their allies to hold a rally in DC protesting the SCOTUS decision to uphold the Muslim Ban.
October 17, 2017 – MPAC partners with Newseum to hold a panel discussion on blasphemy laws
MPAC and the Newseum collaborated on creating a panel discussing how blasphemy laws violate the human right of free speech. Panelists included Elizabeth Cassidy, Director of International Law and Policy for the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Dr. Ilhan Cagri, Senior Fellow for Religious Freedom at the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Asma T. Uddin, Director of Strategy for the Center for Islam and Religious Freedom, Melissa Rogers, a Nonresident Senior Fellow in Governance Studies and former Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neignborhood Partnerships during the Obama Administration, and Andrew Kornbluth from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
October 12, 2017 – MPAC provides a congressional testimony on the administration’s decision to end DACA
MPAC submitted testimony to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on the administration’s decision to end DACA, calling for a DREAM Act. This would provide a pathway for individuals to achieve citizenship as well as protect families and border communities.
October 11, 2017 – MPAC provides congressional testimony on questions to be raised during the nomination hearing of Governor Sam Brownback for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
MPAC provided congressional testimony to Senators on questions to be raised during the nomination hearing of Governor Sam Brownback for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Some of these questions included the interpretation of ‘religious freedom’, attitudes about Muslims, gay marriage and LGBTQ rights, abortion, the role of Christianity in his views and his affiliation with discriminatory organizations/ individuals.
May 2, 2017 – MPAC submits written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on religiously motivated hate crimes
MPAC provided a written testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee’s hearing on Responses to Religious Hate Crimes. The testimony made three recommendations: 1) better reporting 2) better training and 3) better coordination.
June 13, 2017 – MPAC provides congressional testimony on understanding the roles of violent extremism
MPAC provided the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs with testimony addressing violent extremism and its narrow focus on the Muslim community. In this testimony, MPAC outlined the bias of countering violent extremisim efforts towards Muslims and the efforts Muslim communities have taken to combat extremist ideologies and violence.
April 2017 – MPAC works with Senator Kamala Harris on Senate Resolution 11
MPAC worked with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) to draft, introduce and pass a bipartisan Senate Resolution 118. This revolution addresses religiously motivated hate crimes. MPAC also continued to work on a House version of the resolution (H.Res.257) with Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10).
February 20, 2017 – MPAC publishes policy paper on the Muslim Brotherhood Designation Act
MPAC created a policy brief on the impact of the Muslim Brotherhood Designation Act and other executives order on the civil liberties and lives of Muslim Americans.
February 8, 2017 – Hosts “Standing with American Muslims”
MPAC worked with George Takei and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to host “Standing with American Muslims.” In this event, they presented the list of 319,000 supporters as a gesture of support to Muslims from fellow Americans.
Febuary 8, 2017 – Publishes guide on fighting the Muslim Ban
MPAC published a guide on how to fight the Muslim Ban with recommendations on calling representatives, sending emails to their office and tweeting them.
February 7, 2017 – Launches the #NeverAgain campaign
MPAC launched the #NeverAgain campaign to stand in solidarity against the Muslim Ban with George Takei.
January 29, 2017 – Releases statement against Muslim Ban
MPAC released a statement and action plan against the Muslim Ban. This included working with Congress and the federal government as well as faith, civic and celebrity allies.
January 10, 2017 – MPAC teams up with George Takei
MPAC teamed up with actor/ activist Geroge Takei and Care2 to circulate a petition to stand against national security efforts used to to justify discrimination.
December 2016
MPAC held its 16th Annual Convention and Banquet: “Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers.” Our keynote speakers were Van Jones (President & Founder, The Dream Corps & CNN Commentator) and Gold Star Father, Khizr Khan. Other speakers included George Takei, Rep. Xavier Becerra, Rep. Ted Lieu, Hon. Mark Ridley-Thomas and our Community Award Honorees were Rumana Ahmed (The White House) and Sarah Sayeed (NYC Mayor de Blasio’s Office). Our conventions further our relationships with allies and forge many more with those who share our values for upholding justice and protecting civil liberties for all.
December 2016
MPAC led American Muslims in coordinating a nationwide open letter to Trump. As a result, over 500 American Muslims signed onto a letter that outlined to Trump what our expectations were of him as President of the U.S. This letter helped to educate the uninformed, dispel stereotypes and ensured that we were represented.
November 2016
MPAC coordinated a joint petition against White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon with Bend the Arc and delivered it to the Trump transitional team headquarters. Over 29,000 people signed the petition and we received 30,000 views on our Facebook live video. This campaign helped us to develop a stronger relationship with Bend the Arc and was also awarded the title of “Most Valuable Activist Campaign” by The Nation.
August 2016
Director of MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau, Sue Obeidi, spoke at Variety’s “Family Entertainment and Faith-Based Summit”. The more mainstream media entities that are informed about our Hollywood work, the more our message impacts decision-makers in the entertainment industry. As MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau increases its connections, we will see more decision-makers reaching out to us as a resource.
August 2016
During the 2016 election, MPAC helped coordinate a community-wide campaign around the #CanYouHearUsNow campaign. This was a social media campaign that was in response to Trump’s attack on Ghalaza Khan for not speaking at the DNC convention. This campaigned led to thousands of American Muslim women sharing stories about who they are and what they believe in and how they contribute to society. The campaign was covered by numerous media outlets. Society saw American Muslim women stepping up and speaking up for themselves — challenging stereotypical notions that they are oppressed or silenced.
July 2016
MPAC hosted the 10th Annual Young Leaders Summit. Our Summits develop the next generation of young American Muslim leaders who will enrich our society and serve as a voice for our community in government, media and Hollywood. By encouraging young American Muslims to become involved in policy, media and Hollywood, we are making Muslims an integral part of this country’s growth and development.
June 2016
Following the death of Muhammad Ali, MPAC helped coordinate the American Muslim response to his death. As a result, Muhammad Ali was covered in the news not only as both an African American icon but a hero for the Muslim community. Americans witnessed Muslims celebrate and take ownership of an American icon.
May 2016
MPAC hosted the 25th annual MPAC Media Awards. Since 1991, MPAC’s annual “Voices of Courage & Conscience” Media Awards Gala has honored artists, actors, activists and executives who use art and media to create enriching and humanizing portrayals of Islam and Muslims, promote diversity and social justice, and inspire action.
May 2016
MPAC hosted its 3rd Annual “Empowering Voices” dinner honoring Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Secretary of Education John King Jr., Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, and Representatives Judy Chu, Andre Carson, Xavier Becerra, and Don Beyer. “Empowering Voices” increases our government access and as a result, our reach in DC continues to flourish as we build bridges and amplify our voice in the pursuit of a pluralistic and inclusive America.
March 2016
MPAC’s President Salam Al-Marayati spoke at a roundtable discussion with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to discuss the need for partnership to protect the homeland. We educated and advocated for our policymakers and government officials to change national security, civil liberties, human rights, and religious freedom policies to better serve the interests of American Muslims where they will enjoy enhanced civil rights.
February 2016
MPAC’s Hollywood Bureau was invited by the Sundance Institute as collaborators to the Sundance Film Festival. Our Hollywood Bureau gained greater insight into how the entertainment industry works and developed relationships with filmmakers, artists, and studio executives who can help American Muslims to tell their own stories. As more authentic and humanizing stories are told about Islam and Muslims, the American public’s understanding of our community will improve.
February 2016
MPAC partnered with the Brookings Institution to host a roundtable forum with government and civil society partners to facilitate a dialogue on partnerships between communities and law enforcement and the need for the direction of CVE efforts to shift away from government-led to government serving as a supportive role in prevention and intervention efforts. We advocated and recommended to government and law enforcement to re-frame the issue from a criminal lens point of view to this being a public health issue that we collectively need to address.
February 2016
MPAC attended President Obama’s visit to the Islamic Society of Baltimore where he recognized the contributions the American Muslim community made to this nation. For years, we advocated for the President to visit a U.S. mosque to directly engage our community. President Obama visiting a mosque shows that the American Muslim community is an integral part of the fabric of our nation.
December 2015
MPAC hosted a the #United4HumanityLA rally to honor the loss of life in the San Bernardino attack. 1,000 members of the Los Angeles interfaith, civil and Muslim community joined us along with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, Mayor of San Bernardino Carey Davis and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to reaffirm LA’s commitment to religious pluralism and diversity. The rally showed that as Americans, we will not allow the terrorists to divide us and create fear between us. It also sends a message to broader American society that shapes a more positive view of Islam and Muslims.
December 2015
MPAC held its 15th annual banquet in Southern California with an unconventional approach by partnering with five mosques to host community forums on a vast variety of topics that are impacting us. Our banquet dinner theme was “Celebrating Our Shared Humanity” and we heard from our Keynote Speaker, Graham Fuller, who expanded on his direct and clear argument that the conflict we are seeing between the West and the Middle East is about politics and power and has nothing to do with religion. Graham’s expert perspective provides the American public with a more positive and accurate view of Islam and American Muslims.
September 2015
MPAC partnered with George Washington University’s College Democrats to host a forum with top officials from the White House and Congress who worked on the Iran nuclear deal as they expounded upon what the deal meant for the viability of diplomacy, US-Iran relations and offered an analysis of the advocacy surrounding the issue. Decisions around key policy issues promote the American Muslim perspective and help us to become an effective constituency and gain influence in U.S. public affairs.
June 2015
MPAC’s Riham Osman attended the White House Iftar and had the opportunity to sit at the table with President Obama to raise pressing issues facing our community. She offered a major criticism of the government Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) framework explaining that it singles out Muslims. The White House Iftar led to real engagement between the Muslim community and our President. A month following our conversation with the President, the Administration reluctantly admitted that CVE has thus far targeted mainly Muslims and we saw a positive shift away from that framework. This was a clear sign that engagement works and that our voices were being heard.
March 2015
MPAC launched its Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) after Congress asked us to identify an elite group of individuals to intern on Capitol Hill. Our goal is to foster and prepare the next generation of American Muslim leaders who will be members of Congress, chiefs of staff, and policymakers. CLDP ensures representation of American Muslims in the policy-making arena and the potential to gain influence in U.S. public affairs.
March 2015
MPAC hosted its 2nd Annual “Empowering Voices” dinner honoring Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Journalist and Producer of “Serial,” Sarah Koenig, and iconic civil rights leader, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). “Empowering Voices” increases our government access and as a result, our reach in DC continues to flourish as we build bridges and amplify our voice in the pursuit of a pluralistic and inclusive America.
February 2015
Hoda Hawa attended the first-ever roundtable meeting with the American Muslim Community held by President Obama. After years of attending meetings at the White House, MPAC requested a sit-down between American Muslim leaders and President Obama. At the meeting, MPAC discussed the need to see more American Muslims in high level positions and presented the President with a resume portfolio to encourage young people that opportunities exist and our voices and experiences matter. After years of advocating on this issue, the White House appointed Zaki Barzinji as the White House’s Office of Public Engagement Liaison to Muslim communities.
February 2015
MPAC’s President Salam Al-Marayati and Director of the Washington, DC, Office Haris Tarin attended the White House Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Summit. MPAC went into the summit with three specific goals and had in-depth conversations with the President, Vice President, and the highest National Security Council members about the government’s CVE framework. Attending this Summit furthered our work to develop a strong national security strategy that treats American Muslims as partners, endorses community-led CVE initiatives like Safe Spaces, and preserves the values of freedom and justice in America.
November 2014
MPAC held “Policy Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Muslim Communities” in partnership with the New America Foundation
April 2014
MPAC partnered with the White House to host a historic forum recognizing the contributions of American Muslim women.
October 2014
MPAC hosted its first “Empowering Voices” dinner honoring Rashad Hussain, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Paul Monteiro, the Public Engagement Adviser for the White House Office of Public Engagement
March 2014
MPAC partnered with the White House to host a forum recognizing the contributions of American Muslim women in STEM, business, communications, politics, and entrepreneurship. This event was a part of our advocacy for the inclusion of American Muslim women’s voices.
June 2013
MPAC announces that it has partnered with LA Film Festival to Screen ‘Wadjda’ at the 19th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival.
June 2013
On Memorial Day weekend, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati spoke at the Universal Muslim American Association’s 11th annual convention in Dearborn, MI, about MPAC’s “Intra-faith Code of Honor.”
May 2013
MPAC with the New America Foundation hosts a briefing on countering ‘Online Radicalization: Myths and Realities’ in DC. Aired live on C-SPAN.
May 2013
MPAC honored three exceptional projects “5 Broken Cameras,” “Bones” and the Sundance Film Institute — at its 22nd Annual Media Awards Gala.
May 2013
Lekovic Travels to Croatia for Conference on Women where she spoke about the social status of Muslim women in Europe. Lekovic presented a lecture on “Uncovering the Real Me: Western Muslim Women Under the Spotlight” before an audience which included the mufti of Croatia, a Bosnian ambassador, academics and community members.
April 2013
MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati and Haris Tarin, DC Director, attended the first international Muslim Minorities Colloquium in Paris hosted by The World for All Foundation.
March 2013
MPAC witnessed the signing-in ceremony of the Reauthorization of the 2013 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) held March 7, 2013, at the White House. MPAC was honored to be invited by the White House and recognized for its work on VAWA.
November 2012
MPAC’s Metro Ads in DC & NYC Receive Widespread Attention, the ads called upon all concerned citizens to stand together in opposing bigotry and hatred.
October 2012
MPAC Represents United States at Human Rights Conference in Warsaw, Poland, as part of Ambassador Avis Bohlen’s U.S. delegation to the Human Dimension Implementation Meeting (HDIM) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
February 2012
MPAC Meets with Defense Dept. Officials about Quran Burning in Afghanistan During the meeting, DOD officials delivered a formal apology from Gen. John Allen, Commander of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
December 2011
Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life issued a report “Lobbying for the Faithful: Religious Advocacy Groups in Washington, DC,” which named MPAC among the top 40 faith-based advocacy organizations in Washington, DC.
October 2011
MPAC announces that its 2010 “Building Bridges to Strengthen America” policy paper was cited in the DHS’s guidance document on conducting countering violent extremism (CVE) seminars as a “best practices” resources.
August 2011
Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC’s Washington, DC, Office, attended the White House Iftar Dinner along with the only two Muslim members of Congress, Reps. Keith Ellison (D-MN) and André Carson (D-IN), and other guests.
July 2011
President Obama Calls Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC’s DC Office to thank him for his and MPAC’s continuous work with the Muslim American community and the nation at large.
May 2011
CNN, Associated Press, LA Times, Washington Post and NPR feature MPAC’s statements about Osama bin Laden’s death.
March 2011
CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, Reuters, KABC Channel 7 Feature MPAC’s Work on several topics including combating terrorism.
March 2011
MPAC.org Wins Prestigious Website Award. The Outstanding Achievement award is the second highest honor bestowed by IMA and an extremely challenging award to win.
February 2011
LA Times, Bloomberg News, AP & Al-Jazeera English Feature MPAC’s Work. The Los Angeles Times published an opinion column by MPAC Senior Adviser Dr. Maher Hathout, he discussed his past experience as a young college student protesting in the streets of Cairo, Egypt, 60 years ago, and how that compares to today’s protests and turmoil.
December 2010
Muslim Public Affairs Council presents its annual Community Leadership Awards to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Downing at the MPAC banquet for the 10th Annual Convention in honor of their continued support and work with the Muslim American community.
November 2010
MPAC Trains 2,200 Transportation Security Officers on cultural awareness about Islam and Muslims.
September 2010
BBC, PBS, Al-Jazeera English & C-SPAN Feature MPAC’s Work on faith, identity and American values, combating extremism, and the muslim image in the US.
August 2010
MPAC-NYC Sponsors Manhattan Borough President’s Annual Ramadan Iftar held at the Malcolm and Betty Shabaaz Memorial Center in Harlem.
August 2010
Los Angeles Times publishes op-ed by Director of Washington, DC Office Haris Tarin called “A Muslim’s Faith in America.”
August 2010
MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati and Young Leaders Summit delegate Saaliha Khan attend White House iftar, where President Obama voices his support for American values of religious freedom and defends the right of organizers to build a community center in lower Manhattan.
July 2010
During 4th annual National Young Leaders Summits, 20 college and graduate students have their first ever meeting in the White House West Wing with administration officials as well as meetings with four members of Congress, and officials from the Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security.
July 2010
MPAC releases video message called “Injustice Cannot Defeat Injustice,” featuring nine of America’s most prominent imams and scholars speaking out against violence in the name of Islam. The video was featured on CNN & NPR.
June 2010
MPAC holds “Set the Truth Free” events with Ambassador Ed Peck in Anaheim, CA and Washington, DC to raise awareness of civilian casualties from Israel’s attack on a humanitarian convoy which attempted to break the ongoing siege on Gaza.
May 2010
MPAC launches “I Am Change” civic leadership program, which empowers people to tackle local affairs by organizing and communicating effectively. MPAC staff offer workshops on the political process, advocating effecitvely with public officials, and working in coalition with other local groups on issues of common concern. Watch the promo video here.
May 2010
19th annual MPAC Media Award honors Dave Eggers for “Zeitoun,” Cherien Dabis for “Amreeka,” ABC Television for a “Grey’s Anatomy’ episode called Give Peace a Chance, and the Bollywood film “My Name is Khan.”
March 2010
MPAC and J Street co-sponsor Capitol Hill discussion “From Washington to Jerusalem: How Can Jewish & Muslim Americans Bring Peace to the Middle East?”
Spring 2010
MPAC-LA serves as U.S. Census community partner, launches “Count Me In” community outreach campaign and PSA (public service announcement)reaches out to hard to count communities in Los Angeles.
March 2010
MPAC-DC holds Capitol Hill forum on “U.S.-Iran Relations Post-Elections: Confrontation or Engagement?”
March 2010
MPAC condemns Yemeni-American imam Anwar Awlaki’s deadly message to American Muslims for the second time.
February 2010
Government Liaison Alejandro Beutel testifies before Maryand state legislature in support of Workplace Religious Freedom Act.
January 2010
MPAC Government Liaison Alejandro Beutel’s op-ed “Muslim Americans and Law Enforcement” is published in the Christian Science Monitor.
December 2009
MPAC releases “Building Bridges to Strengthen America: Building an Effective Counterterrorism Enterprise Between Law Enforcement and Muslim Americans.”
December 2009
Ninth annual convention features Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, Undersecretary of State for Middle East Affairs Tamara Wittes, “24” Executive Producer Howard Gordon, acclaimed actress and performer Debbie Allen, and Congressman Andre Carson. Congressional streamed live online for the first time.
November 2009
MPAC condemns Ft. Hood shooting massacre. An op-ed written by Salam Al-Marayati is quoted by witness Juan Zarate during a Congressional Homeland Security Committee meeting about the Ft. Hood attack. A second op-ed, entitled “Major Hasan and the Quran,” is published in the Wall Street Journal.
November 2009
Nobel Peace Prize winner Sherin Ebadi, Iranian lawyer and human rights activist, received 3rd Annual Human Security Award in Washington, DC.
October 2009
MPAC releases “Abusing Women, Abusing Islam: Re-Examining Sharia Court Rulings in Contemporary Times” policy paper at State Department special briefing.
October 2009
“NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change” featured in American Public Media’s “Speaking of Faith” with Krista Tippett. A joint program between MPAC and the Progressive Jewish Alliance, NewGround is a Muslim-Jewish fellowship program for young professionals in Southern California led by co-directors Aziza Hasan and Malka Fenyvesi.
September 2009
Salam Al-Marayati’s op-ed “U.S. Jews, Muslims Must Look Forward, Not Look Back” published by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency ahead of his scheduled speaking appearance at the inaugural convention hosted by J Street.
August 2009
Third annual Southern California Young Leaders Summit brings high school and college students to LA to meet with civic, government, interfaith and Hollywood leaders for internship and career opportunities and to learn about the decision-making process.
August 2009
MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati becomes Huffington Post blogger.
July 2009
Third annual Muslim American Young Leaders Summit brings 15 college and graduate students to Washington, DC where they meet with White House Office of Public, State Department, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and the Brookings Institute.
June 2009
MPAC hosts Capitol Hill briefing with independent Palestinian legislator Dr. Moustafa Barghouti, and a series of community forums in Southern California.
May 2009
MPAC releases policy paper on Middle East peace process called “Envisioning Peace: An American Muslim Perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.”
April 2009
MPAC Media Awards Gala honors “The Simpsons” for an episode called “Mypods & Boomsticks,” journalist Amy Goodman, and Academy Award winning “Slumdog Millionaire.” We also honored playwright Wajahat Ali as the Emerging Muslim Artist.
February 2009
MPAC staff and members meet with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to voice objections the mayors’ offensive statements unconditionally supporting Israel’s military invasion of Gaza.
January 2009
MPAC New York City co-sponsors one-page ad in the New York Times of “Open Letter to President Obama” calling for him to call for an immediate end to the Israeli military assault on Gaza, and for even-handed leadership in the region.
January 2009
MPAC holds special Gaza Benefit Concert at the University of Southern California to raise money for humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, which was devastated by a 3-week assault by Israeli military forces and resulted in more than 1,500 deaths. More than $80,000 is raised. Featured artists included Michelle Shocked, MESTO Orchestra with Dr. Nabil Azzam, Mark Gonzales, Omar Offendum and the Zaytouna Dabkah Group.
December 2008
Pastor Rick Warren, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Richard Schmierer, South Asian rock star Salman Ahmad, rock singer Melissa Etheridge, and authors Dr. Juan Cole and Reza Aslan participate in MPAC’s 8th annual convention, which focused on the theme “New Era, New Role.”
November 2008
MPAC condemns Mumbai terror attacks.
November 2008
MPAC Hollywood Bureau holds first special event, “An Evening with Howard Gordon,” the executive producer of the hit Fox drama “24.”
Fall 2008
MPAC staff hold more than 20 Rock the Muslim Vote Townhall Forums around the country, bringing candidates and community members to talk about the issues in the upcoming election.
October 2008
MPAC collaborates with a national network of interfaith leaders to condemn and repudiate anti-Muslim hate material disguised as a paid advertisement — a DVD called “Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West” — insert in more than 70 million newspapers in 13 swing states one month ahead of the national election.
September 2008
MPAC mourns passing of Imam WD Muhammad, a leader and pioneer of the American Muslim community.
August 2008
Second annual Southern California Young Leaders Summit held in Los Angeles, introducing 25 of the areas high school and college students to decisionmakers in local government, media, civic and entertainment arenas. Two of the delegates have op-eds published in local newspapers.
July 2008
Second annual National Young Leaders Summit takes place in Washington, DC bringing together 20 college and graduate students from around the country.
June 2008
MPAC raises objections to mosque surveillance with Department of Justice in a series of open letters and meetings with high level officials within the department and the FBI.
May 2008
MPAC presents 17th annual Media Awards to Producer Omar Amanat for “The Visitor,” The CW sitcom “Aliens in America,” Morgan Spurlock for “Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?”
April 2008
MPAC welcomes Bush Administration’s decision to stop using “jihadist” terminology in its official communications. The news comes following more than a decade of work by MPAC to explain the power and danger of language in domestic and foreign policy.
March 2008
MPAC presents 2nd annual Human Security Award to Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, founder of the Grameen Bank in Bangledesh and innovator in microlending.
Spring 2008
MPAC staff conduct more than 20 “Rock the Muslim Vote” Townhall Forums around the country ahead of the primary elections.
January 2008
MPAC releases “Activate ’08 Election Guide,” which features the presidential candidates’ positions on five key issues of importance to Muslim American voters: national security and civil rights, healthcare, the economy, the Iraq war, immigration, and U.S.-Muslim World relations. The guide also provided campaign officials with key information on engaging Muslim voters.
December 2007
MPAC’s 7th annual convention features Undersecretary of State Lawrence Butler, “Aliens in America” star, author Fawaz Gerges (“Journey of the Jihadist”), Presidential candidate Mike Gravel.
November 2007
MPAC condemns Saudi ruling to punish rape victim.
October 2007
MPAC releases “6 Tips for Tackling Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week” which provides tools for student groups to effect confront university assault on Muslim students.
August 2007
MPAC becomes consultant on new CW show “Aliens in America”, which features a positive portrayal of a Muslim character on network television. MPAC hosts special screening of the show with the co-creators and a Muslim American audience.
July 2007
MPAC holds historic National Muslim American Youth Summit, which brings 27 college student leaders from 12 states to Washington, DC to network, enhance their commitment to civic engagement, and meet with government and Congressional leaders on issues of concern.
June 2007
MPAC releases special report entitled “The Impact of 9/11 on Muslim American Young People: Forming National and Religious Identity in the Age of Terrorism and Islamophobia” at a Capitol Hill forum co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance.
April 2007
MPAC launches Hollywood Bureau to conduct proactive outreach to film and tv studios, to serve as resource in developing multi-dimensional portrayals of Islam and Muslims, and create inroads for aspiring Muslim artists.
April 2007
MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati visits Guantanamo Bay detention facility, provides critique of mental health of detainees to Pentagon officials.
April 2007
MPAC convenes historic meeting of Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders which leads to creation of “Intrafaith Code of Honor” in Southern California which was later replicated by local Muslim community coordinating councils in Detroit, MI and at the annual ISNA Convention.
March 2007
MPAC and the Progressive Jewish Alliance launch “NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change,” a year-long fellowship for young Muslim and Jewish professionals aimed at increased mutual understanding and enhanced civic engagement on local issues.
February 2007
MPAC kicks off “Truth Over Fear: Countering Islamophobia” campaign, a national traveling workshop which empowers people to identify and combat Islamophobia by understanding both the emotion of fear and effective ways to engage neighbors, media professionals and public officials about its impact and danger. MPAC staff conducted more than 50 workshops around the country during 2007 and 2008.
December 2006
MPAC holds 6th annual convention on “Reform, Renewal and Relevance,” featuring acclaimed journalists Robert Fisk (The Independent, UK) and Amy Goodman (Democracy Now!, Pacifica).
October 2006
MPAC presents inaugural “Human Security Award” to Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
October 2006
Senior Advisor Dr. Maher Hathout presented with John Allen Buggs Award in Human Relations by the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission, following an intense public campaign of character assassination conducted by rightwing pro-Israel groups.
July 2006
MPAC forms interfaith coalition to oppose Israeli war on Lebanon, holds an interfaith vigil for the victims and an end to the violence, and organizes meetings with Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) .
April 2006
MPAC rejects Osama Bin Laden’s video message calling for “global war.”
March 2006
MPAC holds first annual “American Muslim Policy Forum” in Chicago in cooperation with the Islamic Society of North America.
December 2005
MPAC’s 5th annual convention tackles theme of “Examining Our Role in America,” featuring keynote speakers Ambassador Joe Wilson and Tariq Ramadan.
November 2005
MPAC releases groundbreaking study on attitudes of Muslim American youth, entitled “Muslim, American, or Both: A Survey of Young American Muslims Post-London Attacks.”
September 2005
MPAC raises $25,000 for Hurricane Katrina survivors with disabilities.
July 2005
MPAC condemns London terror attacks, supports U.S. fatwa against terrorism.
December 2004
MPAC releases “Counterproductive Counterterrorism: How Anti-Islamic Rhetoric is Impeding America’s Homeland Security,” an examination of the negative impact of Islamophobes on fighting terrorism during its 4th annual convention on “Countering Religious & Political Extremism.”
August 2004
Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) reads from testimony he requested from MPAC critiquing the 9/11 Commission’s Recommendations on public diplomacy in the Muslim world.
May 2004
MPAC launches National Grassroots Campaign to Fight Terrorism, an initiative endorsed by ISNA and over 600 mosques around the country.
March 2004
MPAC condemns Madrid terror attacks and anti-Shia attacks in Iraq.
August 2003
MPAC organizes coalition of religious and civil rights groups to call on President Bush to withdraw his nomination of infamous Islamophobe Daniel Pipes to the U.S. Institute of Peace. National campaign results in Pipes being given a backdoor one-year appointment instead of full three-year term.
March 2003
MPAC opposes U.S. invasion and war on Iraq.
January 2003
MPAC organizes “INS Monitors Program” with support from interfaith and civil rights groups to serve as observers, document irregularities, and provide resources to Arab males’ from 22 nations required to register with the INS.
November 2002
Salam Al-Marayati testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the shutting down of three major Muslim charities during a hearing entitled,“An Assessment of Tools needed to Fight the Financing of Terrorism.”
September 2002
For first anniversary of 9/11 attacks, MPAC volunteers hand sewed the names of all the victims of 9/11 on quilt, which is flown to New York City in time for the commemoration ceremony.
February 2002
MPAC condemns murder of journalist Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.
December 2001
MPAC holds first annual national convention on “The Rising Voice of Moderate Muslims” in Long Beach, CA.
September 11, 2001
MPAC condemns horrific terror attacks on World Trade Center and Pentagon.
2001
MPAC honors VH1 and Yusuf Islam for their primetime documentary special “Cat Stevens: Behind the Music.”
October 2000
MPAC denounces Taliban and condemns destruction of Buddhist holy sites.
2000
MPAC presents Media Award to Warner Brothers’ dramatic film “Three Kings,” which portrays the plight of the Iraqi people living under Saddam Hussain and with U.S. sanctions, featuring George Clooney, Ice Cube, and Mark Wahlberg.
August 2000
Dr. Maher Hathout delivers invocation at the Democratic National Convention.
June 1999
Senate Minority Leader Richard Gephardt appoints Salam Al-Marayati to the National Commission on Terrorism at the request of then Congressman David Bonior. Gephardt’s withdraws nomination, following intense pressure by pro-Israeli groups despite broad support from public officials and interfaith leaders (including Jewish groups). Major newspapers, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, publish editorials in support of Al-Marayati.
1997
MPAC sponsors forum in Washington, DC examining the “Media Image of Muslims,” featuring ABC “Nightline” host Ted Koppel.
August 1995
MPAC board member Dr. Laila Al-Marayati joins the U.S. delegation to the United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing.
April 1995
MPAC condemns the bombing of Federal Building in Oklahoma and calls for thorough investigation.
March 1995
MPAC releases debut issue of “Counterterrorism Chronicle,” a regular briefing providing an American Muslim perspective on national security issues.
December 1993
MPAC condemns “fatwa” against writer Salman Rushdie.
June 1992
MPAC Executive Director serves as co-director of Healing Los Angeles coalition following L.A. riots.
1992
Morgan Freeman presented with MPAC’s Inaugeral Media Award for his role as “Azeem” (the Muslim Moor) in the film “Robin Hood.”
September 1990
MPAC issues statement regarding the Gulf Crisis, condemning the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and calling for U.S. withdrawal from the region.
September 1990
USA Today publishes MPAC op-ed entitled “Middle East Dictators Don’t Speak for Islam.”
1988
MPAC is renamed Muslim Public Affairs Council, creates the MPAC Foundation, which receives its 501(c)3 status.
1986
MPAC founded as the Public Relations Committee of the Islamic Center of Southern California.
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