The Original Justice League – An Obligation to Serve Humanity

On December 6, 2016, KARAMAH: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, hosted a critical and timely event on civil rights in America. Titled, “The Original Justice League: Prophet Muhammad(sa) and the Fight for Civil Rights,” this panel event was held at the Library of Congress. Panel speakers included White House Counsel Raheemah Abdulaleem, NAACP DC Director Hilary Shelton, and Indiana Congressman Andre Carson.

KARAMAH’s Executive Director Aisha Rahman emceed the event, which was attended by about 40 people in person while an additional 300 watched via Internet video live stream. A robust question and answer session followed each panelist’s opening remarks, after which KARAMAH’s Director of Civil Rights and Policy, delivered concluding remarks.

The event focused on the dire need of civil rights in contemporary society, particularly focusing on gender equity, racial equality, and religious freedom. Setting this stage, Ms. Rahman expounded on the example of Prophet Muhammad as a champion of civil rights throughout his life. In particular, she delved into the “Covenant of the Youth,” which was a revolutionary declaration that affirmed his written promise to always stand up for the poor and disenfranchised.

Ms. Abdulaleem spoke on the need for personal ownership and engagement in the political process. As a long standing civil servant in the White House, her experience working in the nation’s epicenter proved an invaluable contribution to the event. Director Shelton spoke on the need for resilience and revitalization. As he’s done in his 18 years at the NAACP, Director Shelton reminded the audience that the fight for civil rights is ongoing but ultimately on the right side of history. Congressman Carson spoke of his personal activism as a young child, and how that influenced his decision to run for Congress. The Congressman reinforced his commitment to standing up for marginalized communities while advancing a narrative for universal civil rights.

KARAMAH will continue to hold such events to advance the narrative of universal civil rights. We invite you to join our efforts by supporting KARAMAH and by sharing our newsletter with your network.