(COLUMBUS, OHIO, 9/28/18) – Earlier this week, more than 120 Ohio Muslims took part in almost 50 meetings with lawmakers and their staff during the 2nd annual “Muslim Day at the State Capitol” event at the Ohio Statehouse hosted by that state’s chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio).
The event focused on empowering Ohio’s American-Muslim community and advocating for fair policing practices, higher wages, and increased gun safety measures. The event’s attendance was twice as large as last year’s State Capitol Day.
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“This event is about empowering our community, understanding the importance of showing up and urging Ohio lawmakers to address the very serious issues of biased policing, income inequality and gun violence,” said CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed. “The fact that we doubled attendance in just one year shows how committed Ohio Muslims are to social justice. We know that we cannot sit on the sidelines while our fellow Ohioans are struggling.”
Opening remarks and advocacy training were conducted by CAIR-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed. Following the training, a panel focused on leadership in service took the stage. Panelists included Ohio Black Legislative Caucus president, State Rep. Stephanie Howse, House Minority Whip, State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, and Columbus City Councilmember Elizabeth Brown. State Rep. David Leland addressed attendees during lunch.
After lunch, the attendees, which included groups of middle school students, broke into groups to meet with nearly 50 members’ offices to advocate for:
• SB 84 – “Prevent Biased Policing and Status Profiling”
• HB 616 – “Prohibit Arrest and Citation Quotas”
• HB 576/SB 277 – “Increase State Minimum Wage To $15 By 2025”
• HB 585/SB 288 – “Revise Firearms Control Laws”
In addition, attendees urged legislators to oppose HB 228/SB 180 – “Regards Self-Defense and Handling Firearms,” a bill with a “Stand-Your-Ground” provision.
The CAIR-Ohio affiliate has three chapters in Ohio – Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati.
CAIR is 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.
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-Columbus Public Affairs Coordinator Usjid Hameed, uhameed@cair.com, 614-451-3232