Abrar Quader invited to White House Dinner Honoring Ramadan and American Muslim Leaders

Abrar Quader, attorney and Director of Government and Community Partnerships for the public health non-profit Compassionate Care Network, and a Board Member of the civic engagement organization Community Builders Council, is one of the American Muslim leaders from across the United States who have been invited to an official White House reception dinner for national American Muslim leaders. The dinner, which is scheduled to be on July 21 and is part of an annual White House tradition commemorating Ramadan, will be an opportunity for President Obama to host American Muslim leaders from across the United States for the traditional Eid holiday, commemorating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

In announcing the reception, President Obama's statement that "...we are one American family," underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions of American Muslims to American society, particularly during these polarized times. "I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights," said Obama. "I stand committed to safeguarding the civil rights of all Americans no matter their religion or appearance. I stand in celebration of our common humanity and dedication to peace and justice for all."

Abrar Quader has been invited several times in recent years to participate in White House meetings on health equity policy, the Affordable Care Act and the contributions of American Muslims to providing healthcare access in underserved communities across the United States. This is his first time participating in the annual Ramadan dinner with the President and other national Muslim leaders.

“A meeting like this is important especially now because it serves to lift up the countless contributions of American Muslims who have always been an integral part of the fabric of this great nation," said Quader upon receiving the White House invitation. "An invitation from the President is of course a great honor for me personally, but really I am accepting the invitation on behalf of all of the community members who are unsung heroes with whom I work on issues like civic engagement, violence prevention, immigration, public health, the environment and so many other issues affecting all our communities. I believe it is also important to use opportunities like this to inform our nation's leaders what regular everyday folks across America are going through, so they know the real impact of their decisions, and how better to help. When I go to the White House I will share the stories of people who's voices are often not heard."

"This Ramadan we celebrated the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali, who showed the world that there is no contradiction between the values of America and the principles of Islam,” said Quader. “At the same time, from Orlando to Medina, we saw a rise in violence committed by people who have hijacked the name of Islam. As a result of inflammatory political rhetoric, anti-Muslim violence has also been on the rise in the United States, with attacks on mosques and men and women being targeted for wearing Islamic attire. In this divided atmosphere, it is critical for national government and political leaders and representatives of the American Muslim community to come together and work to promote the core values that are common to both Islam and America...peace, unity, understanding, tolerance, justice, compassion and equality," said Quader.

President Obama said, "As I have done throughout my presidency, I look forward to opening the doors of the White House to Muslim Americans during this special occasion – this year for an Eid celebration marking the end of Ramadan. I can think of no better way to mark my Administration’s last celebration of Ramadan as President than to honor the contributions of Muslims in America and across the world for Eid."

This past year Quader has provided leadership on several initiatives, including campaigning for expanded healthcare to the uninsured, relief for lead poisoned residents of Flint, gun violence prevention legislation advocacy, countering extremism, mental health awareness, urban public health and anti-violence campaigns. In doing this work, Quader has partnered through Compassionate Care Network with the White House, U.S. Surgeon General's Office, U.S. Health and Human Services, Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, Organizing for Action, Enroll America, Healthy Communities Cook County as well as other leaders.