(WASHINGTON D.C., 7/20/2022) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a decision by Novant Health, a network of hospitals, clinics and outpatient centers, to withdraw its sponsorship of a Fourth of July parade featuring Confederate imagery in Rowan County, N.C.
The Faith Fourth of July Parade annually draws over 40,000 visitors to the town. Of the nearly 200 entries that participate in the parade, several groups and displays are linked to the Confederacy. A group of reenactors wearing Confederate uniforms and flying Confederate flags participates. Community members have reached out to other sponsors urging them to end their sponsorship of the event.
SEE: Novant Health withdraws sponsorship of Fourth of July parade over Confederate imagery
Novant Health ends sponsorship of Faith Fourth over Confederate presence
“We welcome the decision of Novant Health to end its sponsorship and urge other sponsors to reconsider their involvement with an event that is supposed to celebrate our nation, but instead features the imagery of those who betrayed it,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
He noted that yesterday, CAIR expressed support for a West Virginia high school student facing apparent backlash for challenging racism at her school.
SEE: CAIR Supports West Virginia High School Student Targeted by Confederate Flag Backlash
Also yesterday, CAIR expressed its support for legislation that would rename a memorial currently dedicated to Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Arlington, Va. CAIR also expressed its support for a request by a Cherokee tribe to rename a North Carolina mountain currently named for a Confederate general.
SEE: CAIR Backs Renaming Va. Memorial to Confederate General, Cherokee Tribe Request to Rename N.C. Mountain
CAIR has repeatedly called for the removal of Confederate holidays, flags, statues, and symbols nationwide.
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 Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com