Recognizing the Contributions of Aneelah Afzali

Floor Speech

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Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Aneelah Afzali, who is stepping down after over seven years of service as the Executive Director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS-AMEN).

Aneelah founded MAPS-AMEN in December 2016 to combat rising islamophobia and empower the Pacific Northwest Muslim American community. I was proud to bring Aneelah as my guest to the 2017 State of the Union Address during my first year in Congress. Her story as a Muslim American woman of color is truly the American story. Aneelah's presence demonstrated to President Trump that he could not silence the patriotism and resolve of people in this country based on their race, religion or country of origin. Her continued organizing over the next seven years impacted the lives of thousands and exemplified her commitment to the realization of a just world.

Throughout her career, Aneelah's work with faith and non-faith communities has built bridges across religious, racial, cultural and political divides. Aneelah currently serves on a number of governing and advisory boards. Through this service, she emphasizes intersectionality and equity within the contexts of a wide array of issues such as gun violence prevention, racial justice, immigration reform and educational equity. She also continues to work with the Washington State Refugee Coordinator to welcome and resettle of Afghan refugees. She is a true community activist, interfaith leader, and civil rights advocate.

Aneelah's particular combination of brilliance, commitment to organizing and community, tenacity and strategic ability has been a true gift to our region and our people. She has inspired and celebrated the leadership of countless others, and of regular community members taking action and recognizing the power of their voices. Her integrity and values underlie everything, and she has never wavered from those no matter how challenging the situation. I have been continually inspired by Aneelah's work to combat hate and create a more equitable society.

As she continues her work to empower communities in new ways, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Aneelah's many accomplishments and contributions to our country. On behalf of Washington's 7th Congressional District, I thank Aneelah for her partnership, service to the people of the Pacific Northwest and dedication to the fight for justice.

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