Since 2013, the MPAC Empowering Voices Awards have honored political, civic, and cultural leaders working to perfect American pluralism by championing the civic and political empowerment of American Muslims.

These awards bring together the nation’s most influential advocates to celebrate causes and individuals who have worked with us to promote American Muslim values of freedom, justice, and equality for all. The honorees go beyond simply acknowledging others as communities of faith, ethnicities, and race. Their individual and collective efforts increase understanding and improve policies. Our vision of an America enriched by the vital contributions of American Muslims becomes achievable through their work. These are the heroes who amplify our voices.

This year, MPAC honored Senator Bernie Sanders with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Senator Sanders, a long-time ally of the American Muslim community has consistently championed our shared values. He opposed President Trump’s Muslim Ban and stood as a strong critic of President Biden’s support for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza.

MPAC also deeply honored and posthumously recognized extraordinary journalist Shireen Abu Akleh with the Empowering Voices Award.  Shireen’s voice brought the truth of the Palestinian struggle to the world. In 2022, her tragic and unjust killing shook our hearts, but her legacy continues to inspire. Her commitment to speaking out against oppression and injustice exposed the tyranny to the wider world, and her courage in speaking the truth will impact generations to come. We are honoring her as a symbol of all the journalists killed in Gaza since October 7th.

They also honored Naz Shah, a senior British Muslim member of Parliament and a leader in the Labor Party. MP Shah was instrumental in standing firm against the recent Islamophobic right wing riots, targeting British Muslims.