(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 3/17/21) – Beginning on Friday, March 19, the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK) will host its 7th Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol as a virtual event that includes a keynote address, advocacy training session and a panel of legislators from across the political spectrum.
WHAT: 7th Annual Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol (VIRTUAL)
WHEN: Keynote Address featuring Abrar Omeish, Friday, March 19, 6 PM, Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/cairoklahoma
Advocacy Training and Legislator Panel, Saturday, March 20, 11 AM, via Zoom (must register to attend)
TO REGISTER: https://www.cairoklahoma.com/event/mdac2021/
“In our 7th year, the Oklahoma Muslim Day at the Capitol has proven to be one of the most important events for the Muslim community in our state, providing us with an opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard, and our presence is felt by the Legislature,” said CAIR-OK Executive Director Adam Soltani. “This year, we are pivoting to a virtual event and hope that the recent election of the first Muslim to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the involvement of a bipartisan group of lawmakers will further motivate the Oklahoma Muslim community to stay engaged with their elected officials and advocate for issues important to themselves and their families.”
Since its inaugural event in 2015, CAIR-OK’s Annual Muslim Day at the Capitol has brought hundreds of Oklahoma Muslims to the State Capitol for a day of educational workshops, keynote speakers, and connection with state, local, and federal lawmakers.
This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event is entirely virtual. A keynote address from Abrar Omeish, the youngest person and the first Muslim elected to public office in the state of Virginia, will be broadcast on Facebook Live at 6 PM on Friday, March 19. Omeish serves on the Fairfax County School Board, the largest school district in the state; she is also the youngest elected official in that capacity, having been elected at age 24.
SEE: First Muslim Woman Elected to VA School Board Has Big Ideas
In addition to the keynote address, Saturday’s events include an Advocacy Training Session with local lobbyist and attorney Michelle Sutton. The afternoon concludes with a bipartisan panel of legislators who will discuss civic engagement and the workings of the State Capitol.
Previous years have brought anti-Muslim protestors to Muslim Day at the Capitol, many of whom have attempted to disrupt proceedings or harass attendees. However, the most recent Muslim Day at the Capitol, held in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic closed government buildings, was absent of protestors.
SEE: Muslim Day at Oklahoma Capitol the First Celebrate Without Protestors
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: Adam Soltani, CAIR-OK Executive Director, 405-248-5853, asoltani@cair.com