On Monday, April 28, the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will host Youth Day as part of its annual Muslim Day at the Capitol (MDAC). The event will bring more than 250 Muslim high school students to the California State Capitol for a day of civic engagement, legislative advocacy, and political education.
This year’s event focuses on empowering young Muslims to advocate on issues that directly affect their communities—including ethnic studies and demographic inclusion—while navigating an increasingly restrictive political climate. Participants will meet with state legislators to advocate for key legislation and attend leadership development workshops led by Muslim professionals in public service.
WHAT: CAIR-CA MDAC: Youth Day
WHEN: Monday, April 28 | 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: California State Capitol, 1315 10th St., Sacramento
WHO: Over 250 youth advocates from across California, elected officials, community leaders, and CAIR-CA staff
VISUALS: Opening program with Quran recitation, youth-led legislative meetings, workshops and panels, and a large group photo on Capitol grounds
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS:
· 10 a.m.: Opening remarks by CAIR San Francisco Bay Area (CAIR-SFBA) Executive Director Zahra Billoo
· 10:30 a.m.: Workshop – “Your Voice and Navigating the System” with Maheen Ahmed, Deputy Director, Office of the California Attorney General
· 12 p.m.: Panel – “Real Conversations, Real Leaders: Muslim Perspectives on Change” featuring Hasib Emran (California Deputy State Controller for Taxation), Hafsa Kaka (Senior Advisor on Homelessness), and Maheen Ahmed (Deputy Director, Office of the California Attorney General)
· Throughout the Day: Youth meetings with legislators to advocate for:
o Support for AB 91 – The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Inclusion Act
o Opposition to AB 1468 – A bill that undermines Ethnic Studies and risks silencing discussions on Palestine and systemic oppression
The day will conclude with a group photo session.
SIGNIFICANCE
In the face of rising Islamophobia and suppression of student voices, MDAC serves as a critical space for youth to be heard and to engage in shaping California’s legislative priorities.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, 714.851.4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Contact Tasneem Manjra, 916.441.6469, tManjra@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760.201.7626, tnizam@cair.com; CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com