(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/14/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the renaming of a Louisiana army base previously named for a Confederate military commander.
The base, located in Vernon Parish, was previously named for Confederate military commander Leonidas Polk. It was renamed after Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black soldier who received the Medal of Honor.
SEE: Army renames Louisiana base for Black WWI hero who received Medal of Honor | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/army-base-renamed-fort-johnson-856af628bfe0127a973f985f9113ed2a
“We welcome the removal of a name associated with a traitor who defended slavery and sought to divide our nation and perpetuate white supremacy,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
He said Washington, D.C., based CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate names, holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
SEE: CAIR Welcomes Dropping of Confederate Name from Naval Academy Building in Maryland
CAIR Welcomes Naming of Texas Fort Cavazos, Dropping of Confederate Name ‘Fort Hood’
CAIR Applauds SCOTUS Decision Not to Review North Carolina’s Banning Confederate Flag on License Plates
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com, CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com