November 18, 2024 — BOSTON, MA — The Council on American-Islamic Relations-Massachusetts (CAIR-MA) hosted its Annual Banquet on Saturday, November 16, bringing together over 300 attendees to celebrate the organization’s advocacy, legal, and educational efforts. The event launched CAIR-MA’s ambitious $1 million fundraising campaign to combat rising Islamophobia and provide critical support to the Muslim community in Massachusetts.
The evening featured powerful keynote remarks from civil rights advocate Linda Sarsour and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), who was honored with CAIR-MA’s 2024 Champion of Justice Award. Pressley’s commitment to racial justice, civil rights, and equitable foreign policy, including her vocal calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, made her a standout honoree. In her remarks, she urged the audience to embrace their intergenerational responsibility, sharing words she lives by, “Be a better ancestor than you are a descendant.”
Linda Sarsour, the evening’s keynote speaker, inspired the audience with her unwavering dedication to justice, promising, “I will keep fighting until my last breath or until justice.” Both speakers called on attendees to live and act according to their values, hold elected officials accountable, and mobilize resources to support those most in need.
Honoring Community Leadership and Youth Excellence
In addition to honoring Rep. Pressley, CAIR-MA celebrated everyday unsung heroes within the Muslim community, recognizing individuals for their tireless contributions to justice, equity, and community building. Honorees included Mr. & Mrs. Abdullah S. Abdul-Rahim & Daa’iyah Abdul-Rahim, Sana Fadel, Asel Mustafa, and Senila Yasmin whose work has made a profound impact across Massachusetts.
The evening also highlighted the next generation of leaders with the presentation of two Youth Leadership Awards to Ayana Bahadur and Aimen Tahir. These outstanding young individuals were recognized for their exceptional work in their schools and local communities, demonstrating a commitment to service and advocacy.
A Call to Action Amid Rising Challenges
Executive Director Tahirah Amatul-Wadud reflected on the urgency of the moment and the strength of the community: “We are living in an unprecedented time, where the Muslim community in Massachusetts is facing double the number of Islamophobic incidents reported just a year ago. With the anticipated policies of the next presidential administration, the road ahead is daunting. However, tonight’s event is a testament to the resilience of our community and our allies, and together, we are ready to meet these challenges.”
Thanks to the generosity of attendees, CAIR-MA raised $190,000 at the banquet, a remarkable start to its $1 million fundraising campaign. These funds will support CAIR-MA’s critical work in addressing Islamophobia, providing legal assistance, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
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For more information, please contact CAIR-MA at tamatul-wadud@cair.com or call 617-862-9159.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Massachusetts (CAIR-MA) is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. CAIR-MA’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote social justice and mutual understanding. For more information on how you can support CAIR-MA’s efforts, visit https://www.cairma.org/.