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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MPAC published a statement in response to reports that the Trump Administration is considering adding more countries to the Muslim Travel Ban.

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.

MPAC held a Congressional briefing on the Muslim Ban Visa Waivers with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren.

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.

MPAC created a guide for Muslim communities on how to protect mosques during the month of Ramadan.

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.

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.

In partnership with NILC, the ACLU and Oxfam MPAC hosted the Muslim Ban Congressional Reception.

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.

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.

MPAC held a rally in Los Angeles against 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.

Omar Noureldin, a legal analyst and MPAC Vice President and General Counsel appeared on CNN to explain the Muslim Ban and discussed its future.

MPAC worked with their allies to hold a rally in DC protesting the SCOTUS decision to uphold the Muslim Ban.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

MPAC published a guide on how to fight the Muslim Ban with recommendations on calling representatives, sending emails to their office and tweeting them.

MPAC launched the #NeverAgain campaign to stand in solidarity against the Muslim Ban with George Takei.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 campaign 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MPAC hosted 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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 approaches like Safe Spaces, and preserves the values of freedom and justice in America.

MPAC held “Policy Challenges and Opportunities Facing American Muslim Communities” in partnership with the New America Foundation.

MPAC hosted its first “Empowering Voices” dinner honoring Rashad Hussain and Paul Monteiro.

MPAC partnered with the White House to host a historic forum recognizing the contributions of American Muslim women.

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.

MPAC announces that it has partnered with LA Film Festival to Screen ‘Wadjda’ at the 19th Annual Los Angeles Film Festival.

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.”

MPAC with the New America Foundation hosts a briefing on countering ‘Online Radicalization: Myths and Realities’ in DC. Aired live on C-SPAN.

MPAC honored three exceptional projects “5 Broken Cameras,” “Bones” and the Sundance Film Institute — at its 22nd Annual Media Awards Gala.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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” resource.

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.

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.

CNN, Associated Press, LA Times, Washington Post and NPR feature MPAC’s statements and work across topics including combating terrorism and promoting pluralism.

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.

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, discussing his past experience and lessons for today’s society.

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.

MPAC Trains 2,200 Transportation Security Officers on cultural awareness about Islam and Muslims.

BBC, PBS, Al-Jazeera English & C-SPAN Feature MPAC’s Work on faith, identity and American values, combating extremism, and the Muslim image. MPAC-NYC sponsors Manhattan Borough President’s annual Ramadan Iftar. Los Angeles Times publishes op-ed “A Muslim’s Faith in America.” President Obama visits mosque. Young Leaders Summits engage with Congress and White House.

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 and meetings with four members of Congress, and officials from the Departments of State, Justice and Homeland Security. MPAC releases video message “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.

MPAC holds “Set the Truth Free” events in Anaheim, CA and Washington, DC to raise awareness of civilian casualties from Israel’s attack on a humanitarian convoy. MPAC launches “I Am Change” civic leadership program. MPAC presents 19th annual Media Awards honoring artists, actors, and change makers.

MPAC releases “Building Bridges to Strengthen America: Building an Effective Counterterrorism Enterprise Between Law Enforcement and Muslim Americans.” Ninth annual convention features key figures and live streaming.

MPAC condemns Ft. Hood shooting massacre. An op-ed by Salam Al-Marayati is quoted in Congressional hearings. MPAC also releases “Major Hasan and the Quran.” Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi receives Human Security Award.

MPAC releases “Abusing Women, Abusing Islam: Re-Examining Sharia Court Rulings in Contemporary Times.” MPAC partners with NewGround, features in public discourse, and publishes op-eds on Muslim–Jewish relations and Islamophobia.

Third annual Southern California Young Leaders Summit and DC Young Leaders Summit. MPAC's Executive Director becomes a Huffington Post blogger, and media appearances expand.

MPAC hosts Capitol Hill briefing with Dr. Moustafa Barghouti. MPAC hosts community forums in Southern California. Media Awards Gala honors films and artists.

MPAC meets with NYC & LA mayors. MPAC holds Gaza Benefit Concert. MPAC releases policy initiatives and community statements.

Convention; condemns Mumbai attacks; hosts Hollywood Bureau events.

Rock the Muslim Vote forums; counters “Obsession” DVD; public campaigns and media engagement.

Mourns passing of Imam WD Muhammad; hosts Young Leaders Summits; strengthens civic-religious engagement in New York and Los Angeles.

MPAC raises objections to mosque surveillance; presents 17th Media Awards.

MPAC articulates policy change around language use; awards Human Security to Muhammad Yunus; condemns anti-Islamic rhetoric.

MPAC releases “Activate ’08” Election Guide, contextualizing Muslim American civic participation and public policy engagement.

MPAC’s 7th annual convention; condemns Saudi ruling on rape victim; public policy engagement expands.

MPAC releases “6 Tips for Tackling Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week” tool for campus and civil society response.

MPAC becomes consultant on “Aliens in America” and hosts special screening; convenes National Youth Summit.

MPAC releases report on 9/11 impact on young Muslims; launches Hollywood Bureau; executive visits Guantanamo Bay; intrafaith code meetings; NewGround fellowship; “Truth Over Fear” campaign in 2007-2008.

MPAC holds 6th annual convention on “Reform, Renewal and Relevance.”

MPAC presents the inaugural Human Security Award to Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei; public engagement intensifies.

Senior Advisor Dr. Maher Hathout receives awards; MPAC organizes interfaith coalition on Lebanon; policy advocacy escalates.

MPAC rejects calls for global war by extremist voices; holds first American Muslim Policy Forum in Chicago.

MPAC’s 5th annual convention theme: “Examining Our Role in America.”

MPAC releases groundbreaking study “Muslim, American or Both: A Survey of Young American Muslims Post-London.”

MPAC condemns London attacks, supports U.S. fatwa vs terrorism, raises aid for Katrina survivors.

MPAC releases “Counterproductive Counterterrorism: How Anti-Islamic Rhetoric is Impeding America’s Homeland Security.”

Congressman Christopher Shays reads MPAC testimony on public diplomacy in Muslim world; MPAC launches national grassroots campaign to fight terrorism.

MPAC condemns Madrid terror attacks and anti-Shia violence in Iraq.

MPAC organizes coalition of religious & civil rights groups calling on President Bush to oppose Daniel Pipes’ appointment to USIP.

MPAC opposes U.S. invasion of Iraq.

MPAC organizes “INS Monitors Program.”

Salam Al-Marayati testifies before Senate committee on the shutdown of major Muslim charities. MPAC organizes public advocacy.

MPAC volunteers hand-sew names of 9/11 victims into a quilt flown to NYC for commemoration.

MPAC condemns the murder of journalist Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.

MPAC holds first national convention: “The Rising Voice of Moderate Muslims.”

MPAC condemns terror attacks on the U.S.

MPAC honors VH1 & Yusuf Islam for their documentary special “Behind the Music.”

MPAC denounces Taliban & condemnation of Buddhist holy sites.

MPAC presents Media Award to “Three Kings.”

Dr. Maher Hathout delivers invocation at Democratic National Convention.

Senate Minority Leader Gephardt appoints Salam Al-Marayati to the National Commission on Terrorism (nomination later withdrawn under pressure).

MPAC sponsors a forum in Washington, DC examining the “Media Image of Muslims,” featuring Nightline host Ted Koppel.

MPAC board member Dr. Laila Al-Marayati joins U.S. delegation to the United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing.

MPAC condemns the bombing of a Federal Building and calls for a full investigation.

MPAC releases the debut issue of “Counterterrorism Chronicle,” a regular briefing providing an American Muslim perspective on national security issues.

MPAC condemns “fatwa” against writer Salman Rushdie.

MPAC Executive Director serves as co-director of Healing Los Angeles coalition following the LA riots.

Morgan Freeman presented with MPAC’s Inaugural Media Award for his role as “Azeem” in Robin Hood.

MPAC issues statement regarding the Gulf Crisis, condemning the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and calling for U.S. withdrawal from the region.

USA Today publishes MPAC op-ed: “Middle East Dictators Don’t Speak for Islam.”

MPAC is renamed Muslim Public Affairs Council; the MPAC Foundation receives its 501(c)(3) status.

MPAC founded as the Public Relations Committee of the Islamic Center of Southern California.