MPAC-WNY Racial & Social Justice Task Force

MPAC-WNY Racial & Social Justice Task Force

Following the murder of George Floyd in May this year, MPAC-WNY established “Racial & Social Justice Task Force” to work for racial justice and equality in collaboration with like-minded groups in our region. The following Mission & Vision Statement was developed by the task force.

Mission, Vision & Objectives

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The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is an American institution that informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media, and policy institutions.

 

Mission:      Racial & Social Justice Task Force:

To ensure Racial and Social Justice & Equality in the United States and around the world with vital contribution from the American Muslims as full partners

Vision:        Racial & Social Justice Task Force:

To promote the Islamic and American values of Equality, Justice, Human Dignity and Freedom and encourage public understanding and policies to make Racial & Social Justice a reality across our country and the world.

Equality for All: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair); Of a male and a female, And made you into nations and tribes, so you may come to Know Each Other; (Not that ye may despise each other). Verily, the noblest of you in the sight of God is the one who is most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge And is all-aware.” (Quran 49:13) ​

Justice: “O you who have attained to faith! Be ever steadfast in upholding equity, bearing witness to the truth for the sake of God, even though it be against your own selves or your parents and kinsfolk. Whether the person concerned be rich or poor, God’s claim takes precedence over (the claims of) either of them. Do not, then, follow your own desire, lest you swerve from justice: for if you distort (the truth), behold, God is indeed aware of all that you do!” (Quran 4:135)

Human Dignity: “Now, indeed, We have conferred dignity on all the children of Adam, and born them over land and sea, and provided for them sustenance out of the good things of life, and favored them far above most of Our creation.” (Quran 17:70)

Freedom: “There shall be no coercion in matters of faith. Distinct has now become the right way from (the way of) error: hence, he who rejects the powers of evil and believes in God has indeed taken hold of a support most unfailing, which shall never give way: for God is all-hearing, all-knowing.” (Quran 2:256)

Prophet Muhammad ((peace be upon him): Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in his last sermon “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab…….Also, a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action” (Hadeeth 22978, Musnad Imam Ahmad)

 The following were established to streamline the work of the task force

• Educational Initiatives and Programs:
• Lectures, workshops & Seminars;
• Training on social, racial and civic matters;
• Islamic Teachings on Equality and Justice;
• Mentorship programs;

 

Acting Co-Chairs:           Tara Ashraf           tara.ashraf2011@gmail.com

Ishatou Fatty         ishatouf@buffalo.edu

Acting Vice Chair:          Husam Ghanim     husam.ghanim@gmail.com

• Community Outreach:
• Support for individuals, groups or communities, as appropriate, within the means and mission of MPAC-WNY;
• Collaborate with like-minded organizations working to eradicate discrimination and oppression locally, nationally or internationally;
• Annual Social Justice and Diversity Award

Acting Co-Chairs:           Osman D. Abdullah        odabdullah@gmail.com

Dawoud S. Adeyola    imamscouncilwny@hotmail.com

• Legislative and Public Safety Initiatives:
• Advocate and work for criminal justice reforms;
• Community police oversight;
• Promote voting and civic participation;
• Identify and promote candidates for elected offices with track record in RSJ;

 

Acting Chair:                  Bayram Arman               barm14@gmail.com

Acting Vice-Chair:          Syed T. Haider               tanveerjafri@gmail.com

         

• Communications Chair:
• Communication between the task force members;
• Communication outside the task force

 

Acting Co-Chairs:           Anders Rosen                 andersro@buffalo.edu

Ishatou Fatty                    ishatouf@buffalo.edu