What Public Figures Say About Us
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
"This year's event, themed “ACTION 2020," presents the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while also encouraging us all to continue this important work. Chicago is proud to be home to a vibrant and historic Muslim American community and | commend the Council on American-Islamic Relations-Chicago for its ongoing commitment to the Muslim American community, Chicago, and beyond."
Governor J.B. Pritzker
"As this year’s theme Action 2020 suggests, we are all stronger when we join together to advocate for a more just and equitable society. | commend CAIR-Chicago for all its hard work and continued efforts in pursing cross-cultural exchange and understanding in our communities."
Senator Dick Durbin
"For years, CAIR-Chicago has advocated for better representation of the Islamic community in Chicago. You provide an invaluable service by advocating and providing legal assistance to those seeking asylum. Diversity is Illinois’ strength and I commend you for fighting against bigotry, defending civil rights, and promoting tolerance in the Chicagoland area.”
Senator Tammy Duckworth
“Since CAIR-Chicago’s founding, you have demonstrated your commitment to fighting against hate and discrimination through your pro-bono legal services, educational initiatives and advocacy efforts. | applaud you for highlighting community members’ political power, especially amongst our nation’s youth.”
Representative Ilhan Omar
"Thankfully, CAIR and its Chicago chapter over the past several years have fought back against this rising tide of anti-Muslim hate and empowered the Muslim community and others to fully participate in American civic life."
Representative Rashida Tlaib
"This past year, CAIR Chicago reaffirmed its devotion to service and its commitment to the fight for worker justice and immigrant rights. | am proud of its work to combat hate in every form, and | am proud to see our Muslim community act and be a force for change anti-immigrant sentiments, racism, and bigotry."
Representative Robin Kelly
"This year’s Annual Banquet theme, ‘Action 2020’, kicks into high gear CAIR’s ongoing campaign of civic engagement. Our democracy requires the active participation of informed citizens. | commend CAIR for its non-partisan voter registration, get-out-vote, and voter education activities, which support the very principles of civic engagement on which our nation was founded.”
Representative Bobby Rush
“Your organization continues to educate and empower members of the Muslim community and promote engagement with the larger community of Chicagoland. This work is particularly meaningful at a time in our nation’s history when tolerance for diversity is under attack.”
Representative Jan Schakowsky
“I appreciate the work that CAIR Chicago does to advocate and provide legal services for the Muslim community, to fight discrimination and hate crimes, help people know their rights, and promote equality.”
Representative Mike Quigley
“CAIR’s focus on advocating for civil rights, peace, justice, and respect for all, provides opportunities for our city, state, and across the nation to attain equal opportunity for and normalizing the image of Muslims in America not only enriching the Muslim community but also expanding productive dialogue between cultures.”
Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi
“CAIR-Chicago’s efforts have helped educate and empower our diverse Muslim community in Illinois. Through your efforts, CAIR-Chicago has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fighting discrimination and providing legal representation, holding voter registration drives, and leading community workshops on political activism.
Representative Chuy Garcia
“CAIR is a leading advocate for American Muslims, and I applaud your intercultural engagement especially at a time when the virtue of mutual understanding is being actively undermined. Thank you for your efforts to preserve everyone’s constitutional and human rights”
Representative Danny Davis
“I salute CAIR-Chicago for the work you have done over the past year and your untiring commitment to justice and equality for Muslim Americans… and all Americans. CAIR understands that in defending Muslim Americans against employment discrimination, prison abuse, hate crimes and citizenship delays they are also defending our American values for every American.”
Representative Cheri Bustos
“Action 2020’ is an appropriate theme for this year’s banquet. CAIR-Chicago’s continued commitment to advocacy, solidarity, facts, dialogue and equality for all is extremely admirable and necessary for the community to thrive. The work of CAIR-Chicago has also promoted principles of tolerance, religious freedom, trust and safety throughout the community.”
Representative Andre Carson
“As you enjoy this evening, I encourage you to reflect on this year’s theme - Action 2020. In a presidential election year, all citizens must be vigilant and engaged, and this is especially true for our Muslim and minority communities in this particular election.”
State Treasurer Michael Ferichs
“Founded in 2005, CAIR-Chicago has worked diligently to create a more egalitarian society that reflects the true values of our great country. CAIR-Chicago continues to fight for Muslim Americans to ensure their rights, voices and values are upheld and empowered.”
Secretary of State Jesse White
“It’s pertinent to have organizations such as CAIR-Chicago available to address issues including hate crimes, employment discrimination, citizenship challenges, and abuse of incarcerated people. I salute this organization’s dedicated leadership and staff.”
State Senator David Koehler
“CAIR-Chicago has made incredible advancements working to foster understanding and ensure justice for the embattled in our communities. It is the work of CAIR-Chicago that will bring a brighter future for generations to come.”
State Senator Iris Martinez
“CAIR-Chicago provides a great service to our city by educating and mobilizing our large Muslim community. In a time full of uncertainty and fear for minorities in our country, the work you do to promote understanding and diversity is especially important.
State Senator Robert Peters
“I am honored and proud to stand as an ally with CAIR-Chicago as they continue to fight to ensure equality for Muslims and Islamic people everywhere.”
State Senator Laura Murphy
“I applaud CAIR-Chicago’s outstanding work and am confident that the organization and its members will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Illinois residents for years to come.”
State Senator Julie Morrison
“Thank you for leading CAIR’s efforts to ensure justice through fostering dialogue and understanding in the greater Chicagoland area. Your ongoing focus on healing relationships broken by fear and misunderstanding is to be applauded.”