Dear Friends and Supporters of AMI:
During the last five years, American Muslim Institution (AMI) has worked proactively to counter Islamophobia and to improve the image of Muslims and Islam in America. AMI has undertaken a broad range of actions and initiatives, including outreach with the media and engaging with the elected officials and interfaith leaders. While the perception of Muslims has improved slightly in recent years, our work is not yet finished.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising racial tensions in the spring of 2020, AMI decided to go virtual in connecting our community through webinars in accessing the financial assistance available through the CARES Act, reaching out to the African American community and by celebrating the contributions of thousands of Muslim American health care professionals and community activists in feeding the hungry during the pandemic. Since the traditional and digital media play a vital role in shaping issues and perceptions, moving forward we plan to build upon our existing networks of broadcast, print and digital media to change the narrative by showcasing the contributions American Muslims make to the U.S. economy, health care, sciences, arts, athletics, entertainment and all walks of life.
AMI cannot succeed in this mission alone. Therefore, AMI needs and deserves your support to continue and expand this important work in order to engage with the media, policy-makers and opinion leaders in Washington, D.C. and throughout the United States. Please make a tax-deductible to AMI and/or by volunteering in this critical endeavor. Thank you!
Amb. Islam A. Siddiqui, President
American Muslim Institution
Nothing could be more synonymous with 2020, than the global Covid-19 pandemic that upended the lives of the entire world.
Before the beginning of the pandemic, we traveled throughout the country to introduce AMI and the importance of American Muslim engagement. Our travels took us to California, NJ and NY, where we met with Muslim leadership and the community to discuss issues impacting the lives of the Muslim community. We pledged to be a voice to amplify their concerns.
We did just that. At the backdrop of the pandemic, racism and the 2020 election took front stage. Rather than halting our important work, we pivoted to supporting our community virtually. We continued to connect with journalists, thought leaders, and our elected officials to discuss and brief them on critical issues. With your support, we did our part in proactively responding to the issues impacting American Muslims.
Over the course of 2020, we hosted webinars with our elected officials including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Rep. Andre Carson, and VA. Gov. Ralph Northam to discuss the pandemic, the communities’ concerns, and the government’s response. We connected organizations like Montgomery County Muslim Foundation, Keys Empowerment, Embrace Relief, and many other organizations with government agencies to provide tens of thousands of masks.
After the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, we organized panels discussing the importance Black Lives Matter, the media’s role in shaping a social justice narrative, and the role of faith leaders in fighting against racism and racial inequity.
Together with organizations like the African Methodist Episoclan Georgia Church, Fair Count, and Masjid Muhammad we created content to increase voter mobilization and turnout in minority communities. Public service announcements with black influencers and religious leaders were created to encourage voter participation.
We hosted American Muslim journalists and media personalities including Rowaida Abdelaziz, Sabrina Siddiqui and Hasan Minhaj to discuss their experiences as minorities in the media.
Finally, we partnered with our elected officials, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, Congressmen Jaime Raskin, John Sarbanes and David Trone to honor those supporting our communities at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sister Act
AMI was proud to seed and sponsor the Sister Act Podcast. which was founded by co-host Hurunnessa Fariad. Dr. Sabrina Dent and Rabbi Susan Shankman are co-hosts. The podcast focuses on lived experiences of life, faith and resilience as American women from the 3 Abrahamic faith traditions. Conversations centered around shame, stigma, rights and social justice issues and how our faith addresses these topics.
We have worked with our partners to provide briefings to elected officials and other stakeholders on issues impacting human rights in China, Myanmar and India.
Support Our Vision
AMI is leading the way more than any other organization in giving Muslims a voice in today’s mainstream media.
We Build Relationships
Our relationships built over the years with journalists and media personalities has grown stronger. The coalition we continue to grow is unparalleled in the non-profit landscape. Plus our events and panels have had higher engagement in 2020 than ever before.
We Empower Voices
In addition to reinforcing our media core, we have our sights set on the future of Muslim media. We are strengthening our fellowship programs, helping the next great Muslim media star get their foot in the door through AMI. And in forging our American Muslim Resource Center, we are enabling current and future media professionals to carry the Muslim voice stronger.
Your Donation Matters
Your monthly donation empowers the Muslim voice in mainstream media. Recurring contributions help cement AMI's role in elevating the Muslim voice. Every continuous dollar keeps open the door for the next generation of Muslim voices. Your tax-deductible charity is the gift that keeps on delivering Muslim narratives.