Montgomery County Needs Muslim Representation on the Racial Equity and Social Justice Commission

A message TP Mobilization sent to Montgomery County officials, in solidarity with Muslim Voice in MOCO organizers —

August 12, 2020

Dear County Executive Elrich and Members of the Montgomery County Council,

Takoma Park Mobilization is an advocacy organization with 2,000 members in the Takoma Park-Silver Spring area that is active in environmental, racial justice, and economic matters.

We decry your failure to include a Muslim voice on the county’s Racial Equity and Social Justice Commission. We stand in solidarity with the Muslim Voice in MoCo effort and urge you to immediately remediate your misstep by appointing a qualified Muslim community representative to the commission.

Muslims make a significant and visible portion of Montgomery County’s population and contribute to the county in every conceivable way, enriching the lives of all members of our diverse community. We’ve particularly noted the contribution of Muslim individuals and institutions in our shared work to promote food security and alleviate poverty, support immigrants of all origins, fight racial prejudice and discrimination, and advance justice for everyone.

Yet Muslims have been attacked and continue to be suspected and discriminated against based on prejudice, sometimes exacerbated by factors including race, dress, national origin, and religious practices. Muslims experience racial discrimination and have learned from their experiences the need to seek social justice for all.

Please reverse your misstep by appointing a qualified Muslim community representative to the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Commission.

Respectfully,

Takoma Park Mobilization