National civil rights group Muslim Advocates announced that it will honor Atlantan Umer Rupani, executive director of the Georgia Muslim Voter Project, with its “Muslims Making Change” National Honor. Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power, and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks.
Rupani will be honored with the Civil Society Award on Oct. 14, at the Muslims Making Change: National Honors ceremony for his work fighting for voting rights and registering and mobilizing Muslim and non-Muslim voters throughout Georgia.
“Advancing voting rights in Georgia is one of the hardest jobs in America,” said Scott Simpson, public advocacy director for Muslim Advocates. “But (Rupani) is showing that the power of the Muslim community and its allies can transcend even the most entrenched anti-voter initiatives. He is leading at a time when some would rather sow chaos in voting than honor the American commitment to democracy. For that, we are so thankful.”
Rupani was chosen from over 175 nominations made by the public seeking American Muslims showing leadership during the defining issues of 2020: civil society and civic engagement, racial justice, and COVID-19 relief.
As the leader of an organization that is a bulwark against the rollback of voting rights and a leader in registering and mobilizing Muslim and non-Muslim voters throughout Georgia during the COVID crisis, Rupani’s work is vital for ensuring that American Muslims and all people can vote free from discrimination.
“Every movement is created from the grassroots,” Rupani said. “We must recognize the power and influence we have together, and together we must activate to have our voices heard.”
Muslims Making Change: National Honors is a free and online event streaming at 7 p.m. on Oct, 14 honoring American Muslims from across the country making a difference in the defining issues of 2020, including racial justice, civil society, and COVID relief.
