"State of the Coalition" brunch was held by the Muslim Civic Coalition

On Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Marriott, Oak Brook, Illinois The Muslim Civic Coalition hosted its annual State of the Coalition brunch, a remarkable gathering of community leaders, members, and elected officials including Mayor of Chicago, State Senator Karina Villa, newly elected DuPage County board member, Saba Haider, Congressman Chuy" García, Former Congresswoman Maria Newman, Naperville Park District Board President, Mary Gibson and many more were present from across Chicagoland. The event emphasized the theme of Building Collective Civic Power and celebrated individuals who have demonstrated exceptional civic courage.

The Muslim population in Illinois is sizable and diverse; according to the most recent figures, there are about 2,800 Muslims for every 100,000 Illinoisans. According to the 2020 census, there are around 12.5 million people living in Illinois, which implies that at least 400,000 of them identify as Muslims.
During an interview with Delara Saeed, the president of Muslim Civic Coalition said, every year, Muslim Civic Coalition gathers to celebrate their accomplishments at the State of the Coalition Brunch. This event is more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity to reflect on our shared successes and to strengthen the bonds that have made those successes possible. We invite hundreds of leaders, activists, influencers, and organizations who have formed strong partnerships with us through our program events and initiatives.

It is also an occasion for appreciation and acknowledgment. It is our method of recognizing and honoring their partners' efforts, commitment, and influence. Together, they may talk about the difficulties they encounter, appreciate the accomplishments, and look forward to the future we are pursuing.

The Theme of the event was: "Building Collective Civic Power"
The program centered around empowering communities to come together, collaborate, and engage in civic activities to strengthen democratic values and inclusivity.

Several courageous elected officials and leaders were honored for their dedication to serving their communities and demonstrating exceptional leadership in challenging times. The brunch drew over 500 hundreds of attendees, reflecting the Coalition’s ability to unite diverse groups from across the Chicagoland area.

Many attendees expressed their satisfaction in being a part of this occasion. Sincere gratitude is extended to Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition, and her hardworking staff for putting together this fantastic event. Their endeavors created a feeling of solidarity, giving participants a chance to bond, commemorate successes, and have meals together.
In the 2024 election, the American Muslim community is at a turning point. Members share the principles of justice, peace, and compassion, and they have a diverse range of political opinions, particularly on important topics like U.S. foreign policy and Gaza.

This white paper analyzes how the Muslim Civic Coalition can encourage meaningful civic engagement while respecting different views. A deliberate method is recommended as an alternative to a forced "unified voice." To advance justice and fairness on their own terms, American Muslims can prioritize representation, increase civic education, cultivate understanding, and prioritize informed debate.

By embracing variety as a strength, the community is well-positioned to have a big influence on the local and national levels.
The State of the Coalition brunch was a testament to the impact of the Muslim Civic Coalition’s work in bridging communities and fostering dialogue. It left attendees inspired to continue contributing to civic and community-driven initiatives.