American Muslims should translate their growing political participation into wider representation at legislative and administrative levels in order to have mainstream influence, Congressman Andre Carson said.
“It is important that we recognize that we have voice, and that voice must be and should be leveraged in a way that yields political results that will produce city councilors, members of Congress, mayors, governors, and future presidents,” he said.
Speaking to Views and News at an event, hosted by prominent American Muslim leader Ambassador Islam Siddiqui, the Democratic lawmaker noted first the community has to recognize its own value.
“But until we recognize our own value, we will not see the deference or the respect that we deserve.”
Carson, the second Muslim to be elected to the House of Representative after Keith Ellison, and a member of key House committees, is defending his seat from the 7th Congressional District of Indiana in this year’s election.
Coming in the midst of a heightened political season in the run up to November 8 election, Carson’s remarks have a special significance for American Muslims as they grapple with implications of sweeping attacks from some Republican politicians.
Donald Trump, Republican candidate, even suggested on the campaign trail that Muslims be banned from entering America in the wake of terrorist violence in Europe and the United States.
Representative Carson, however, said American Muslims are now becoming increasingly conscious of participation in both local and mainstream political processes.
“So I think there is an awakening taking place.But that awakening has to be maintained and cultivated for generations to come,” Carson, an important member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said.
He was referring to an expanding participation by Muslims as members of NGOs, rights activists, representatives of the government, aides in crafting legislatioin, and helping to influence change makers. For tangible results, Muslims need to both outside activism and participation in the governance system.
At the same time, Carson said Muslims need to work with otherr communtiies including Sikhs, Hindus, Jewish and Christians to deal with Islamophobia and safeguard against bigotry.
American Muslims need to have a voice in the media as well, he said.
“I think, now more than ever, we are in the business of changing hearts and minds of people, and what better platform than the media — until we can have Muslims telling real Amerrican stories, as you are doing, we will not be able to take control the narrative, and that has been a challenge for decades.”
He asked young American Muslims to remain steadfast in their pursuit of the American dream.
“Have faith in Allah or God, believe in yourselves, don’t let people deter you from your dreams. Be easy on yourselves. You are going to make mistakes, we all make mistakes.”
“America is still a great country, though it has a complicated history. Look at the African American community, brought over as slaves, abused physically, psychologically. We have first African American president, first black lady, and other accomplishments. Let the African American community be an inspiration for other communities.”
Carson expressed tremendous appreciation for Ambassador Siddiqui’s longstanding efforts toward betterment of the Muslim community as a high-ranking official and as interfaith leader.
Welcoming Congressman Carson earlier, Ambassador Siddiqui applauded the lawmaker’s contribution as an imporant member on the Capitol Hill and for raising voice for the community.
