US Muslims call for reforms to support black people amid George Floyd’s death

Several Muslim organizations in the US have gathered to call for reforms for creating policies and support black-led organizations in wake of George Floyd’s murder.

A coalition statement has been signed by more than 90 civil rights, advocacy, community, and faith organizations. It was released on Monday. The statement reads, “The victimization of unarmed Black Muslims has a long and troubling history,” “As American Muslims, we will draw on our diversity, our strength, and our resilience to demand these reforms because Black lives matter.”

The organizations proposed changes including barring racial profiling and manoeuvers that obstruct the circulation of blood or oxygen to the brain, such as chokeholds, making it legally feasible for prosecutors to hold law enforcement accountable; and redirecting police funding “into community health, education, and employment and housing programs”.

Today, 95 America Muslim groups issued a joint statement affirming that #BlackLivesMatter and calling for concrete action to end anti-Black police violence: https://t.co/esLm1rFf4a

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— Muslim Advocates (@MuslimAdvocates) June 15, 2020

“Black people are often marginalized within the broader Muslim community. And when they fall victim to police violence, non-Black Muslims are too often silent, which leads to complicity.”

They also asked for the formation of “a federal standard that use of force is reserved as a last resort, only when absolutely necessary”.
Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates and one of the statement’s co-conveners, said, “These demands are a floor for our groups and not a ceiling. Some would call for much more,”

“We’re also urging all American Muslims to call their members of Congress right now and to demand a stronger response from them.”

Several Muslims have joined campaigns to raise voice against Floyd’s death. Other faith groups have publically urged for action against racism. US Muslims have rallied in street protests, statements, sermons, and webinars.

Iman Awad, legislative director of Emgage Action, one of the statement’s signatories, said, “Muslim American organizations are committed to advocating at all levels to put an end to excessive use of force which has led to the murders of countless Black Americans.”

“Our message is that we will continue to fight but most importantly uplift the work being done by our Black leaders.”