Local Progress Joins MPV to Fight Islamophobia

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Oct. 17, 2016 - PRLog -- What: In collaboration with Local Progress, Muslims for Progressive Values will be delivering testimony to the Mayor and City Council of West Hollywood for the introduction and passing of resolutions condemning hate and violence towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. The resolution states that in the face of unprecedented backlash in the form of hate crimes and discrimination toward Arab and Muslim Americans, which has reached its highest levels since the aftermath of September 11, 2001, elected representatives have a responsibility to speak out against hate violence and discrimination against their constituents and all Americans.

By introducing the resolutions, elected representatives are condemning hateful speech and actions directed at Muslims, those perceived to be Muslims, immigrants, and people of color. They are committing to pursue policy agendas that affirm civil and human rights and are reaffirming the inalienable right of every person to live and practice their faith without fear.

When: Monday, October 17th at 6:30 pm

Where: West Hollywood Park Public Meeting Room - Council Chambers
625 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA

Who:    Beatrice Greenberg, Local Progress Campaign Organizer/Center For Popular Democracy

Crystal Keshawarz, Director of Communications, Muslims for Progressive Values

Why: Due to a rising tide of hate crimes against Muslims, Local Progress has created a campaign and resolution condemning hate and violence towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. Muslims for Progressive Values will be joining Local Progress in delivering testimony on this pivotal issue. As American Muslims our lives have been uniquely affected by the hateful, Islamophobic rhetoric which has resulting in a significant increase in hate crimes and hate related incidents. We will unite with Local Progress to share the concerns of our communities and to rally the support of our elected officials, whose actions and words have a significant impact on how American Muslims are perceived by their neighbors, which in turn will have an impact on reducing the number of hate crimes overall.

About Local Progress: Local Progress is a network of progressive local elected officials from around the country united by our shared commitment to equal justice under law, shared prosperity, sustainable and livable cities, and good government that serves the public interest. www.localprogress.org. Local Progress is staffed by the Center for Popular Democracy, builds the strength and capacity of community-based organizations to envision and advance a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial justice agenda. www.populardemocracy.org

About Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV):

Established in 2007, Muslims for Progressive Values , is a grassroots, faith based, human rights organization with Consultative Status at the United Nations, working to counter radical fundamentalist narratives on the ground and at the policy level, and ensuring that human rights are upheld and not denied on the basis of culture, theology or theocracy.

MPV is the only American institution that established egalitarian expressions of Islam for women, minorities, and for LGBTQIA+ rights. MPV does this by creating inclusive spaces for religious discourse through the arts, education and social activism, as well as community events.

For more information, visit www.mpvusa.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@mpvusa).