What They Say About CAIR Oklahoma
CAIR Oklahoma is Committed to You
CAIR Oklahoma, a unique nonprofit, provides comprehensive support to Oklahoma’s Muslim community through legislative advocacy, civil rights assistance, refugee resettlement, interfaith dialogue, and targeted educational programs. Renowned for its trusted role in civil rights and legislative advocacy, CAIR-OK extends its impact beyond the Islamic community by partnering with nonprofits and civic organizations to enhance the overall well-being of Oklahoma. In essence, CAIR-OK exemplifies a deep commitment with the concise message, “CAIR Oklahoma Cares About Oklahoma.”
Proclamations, Citations, and Letters of Appreciation
Mayor David Holt – April 2023
Rep. Hefner, Munson, and Turner – 2023
Governor Brad Henry – 2010
Senator Michael Brooks – 2019
Rep. Marilyn Stark – 2023
Rep. Anastasia Pittman – 2010
Senator John Sparks – 2013
Rep. Melissa Provenzano
Rep. Mauree Turner – 2023
Recognitions and Awards
In 2021 CAIR Oklahoma was awarded the Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award by the Oklahoma Bar Association. This award is given to an organization that has an office in the state of Oklahoma and has met one or more of the following criteria:
- Promoted diversity initiatives that establish and foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment;
- Demonstrated continued corporate responsibility by devoting resources to the improvement of the community at large; and
Exhibited insightful leadership to confront and resolve inequities through strategic decision-making, allocation of resources, and establishment of priorities.
For more information visit https://www.okbar.org/diversityawards/
In 2018, CAIR Oklahoma was recognized as the CAIR Chapter of the Year by the CAIR National office at their Annual Banquet in Washington D.C.
This recognition is given to a CAIR chapter that witnessed immense success, faced unique challenges, showed creativity, has done something extraordinary, and/or is doing outstanding work in the community.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has offices in cities across the country. CAIR’s national board of directors guides the organization, and each chapter is overseen by a board of directors and managed by an executive director. CAIR’s board, employees and volunteers represent the diversity of the American Muslim community.
For more information about CAIR’s National office, visit www.cair.com
ACLU Oklahoma executive director Ryan Kiesel said Adam Soltani and CAIR-OK were chosen to receive the Angie Debo Award because of their efforts to protect the rights of Oklahoma’s Muslim community and to ensure the religious liberty rights of all Oklahomans.
The award is named in honor of the writer, historian, and civil rights advocate Angie Debo, who relentlessly pursued justice in cooperation with the ACLU of Oklahoma during the late 1960’s and 1970’s. It is the highest award presented by the ACLU of Oklahoma and has been presented annually since 1971 for outstanding achievement in the fight for civil rights and civil liberties.
For more information, read the official press release here https://www.acluok.org/en/news/soltani-cair-oklahoma-named-angie-debo-award-winners
Testimonials
Our organization partnered with CAIR on our first-ever EID celebration for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City. We could not have partnered with a more kind, passionate, and caring group of people. Such an incredible community and an honor to serve alongside them.
– Taylor York, District Executive Director Rockwell Plaza YMCA
The seventh graders at the Catholic School of St. Eugene have been working with CAIR Oklahoma for over three years through our SALT (Serve, Appreciate, Love, Teach) program. We saw what CAIR was doing to help the community, and we wanted to be a part of that. Our students have learned about our Muslim friends in Oklahoma and ways to make them feel like a welcomed part of the community. I appreciate everything CAIR Oklahoma does!
– Walaya Lupp, Literature Teacher at Catholic School of St. Eugene
Recently the Computer Club of Oklahoma City has partnered with CAIR to deliver computer training to Afghan refugee women residing in the area. CAIR played a crucial role in coordinating this initiative, working alongside Catholic Charities. CAIR served as the facilitator, enabling Catholic Charities and the Computer Club of Oklahoma City to effectively coordinate efforts and initiate computer skills training for Afghan women. This partnership with CAIR has been pivotal in developing a practical and successful training solution for our Afghan refugee community.
We must acknowledge Jennifer Hund, Refugee Service Director, for her indispensable role in the project’s development. Without CAIR’s involvement and Jennifer Hund’s dedication, this initiative would not have come to fruition.
– Ann Knutson, Computer Club of Oklahoma City
CAIR showcases care. For indeed from the Muslim perspective it is a very Quranic concept that caring for God’s creation is the utmost form of worship. From the Prophetic tradition we know that, ‘those who do not care for the needs of others are not amongst us.’ When the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was asked about the best form of solidarity, he said to ‘stand up for the truth and justice even in the face of adversity.’ I have always appreciated CAIR Oklahoma’s efforts of outreach and standing up firmly for the US constitution and consequently for justice.
– Dr. Imad Enchassi, Senior Imam, Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City
CAIR plays an indispensable role in Oklahoma’s civil rights community. Whether we are working together in the courthouse or at the state house, I know I am working with an organization that is commi ed to ensuring that all Oklahomans can fully realize the rights afforded by the Constitution. Oklahomans of all faiths and those of none at all owe a debt a gratitude for the work of CAIR in safeguarding their rights as individuals to make their own deeply personal decisions of faith and conscience. We are truly grateful to call them our friends and partners.
– Ryan Kiesel, Former Executive Director of the ACLU of Oklahoma