Day 2. Hala Salaam Maksoud Champion of Civil Rights.
“We must not stand on the sidelines. Justice requires our voice, our presence, and our unwavering commitment.”
– Hala Salaam Maksoud
As we continue 30 Days of Honoring Arab American Visionaries, Innovators, & Cultural Icons, we celebrate the life and legacy of Hala Salaam Maksoud, a fierce advocate for Arab American civil rights. Through her leadership, scholarship, and activism, she dedicated her life to fighting for justice, equality, and representation.
A Voice for Arab American Empowerment
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1943, Hala Salaam Maksoud immigrated to the United States, where she became a leading force in civil rights activism. She earned a PhD in Political Science from Georgetown University and went on to teach, write, and advocate for the rights of Arab Americans and other marginalized communities.
Her impact was deeply felt in her role as the President of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), one of the largest Arab American civil rights organizations in the US. Under her leadership, the ADC expanded its legal and advocacy work, challenging discrimination, xenophobia, and policies that unfairly targeted Arab and Muslim communities.
A Fighter for Justice and Representation
Maksoud believed in intersectional justice, understanding that Arab American struggles were linked to the broader fight for civil rights in the US. She worked alongside Black, Latino, and Indigenous activists to push for policies that upheld the dignity and rights of all people.
She spoke out against racial profiling, media bias, and hate crimes, and she urged Arab Americans to become politically engaged, advocating for stronger representation in government, media, and civil society.
Her Lasting Impact
Even after her passing in 2002, Maksoud’s legacy lives on in the continued work of civil rights organizations and Arab American activists who follow in her footsteps. Her leadership helped lay the groundwork for today’s ongoing fight against Islamophobia, discrimination, and the marginalization of Arab American voices.
Where to Learn More About Hala Salaam Maksoud
📚 Articles & Books:
- Arab Americans: Into the Mainstream, by Hala Salaam Maksoud
- The archives of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
🎥 Videos & Documentaries:
- ADC Civil Rights History and Maksoud’s Leadership (YouTube & ADC website)
- Reel Bad Arabs – A documentary exploring media bias against Arab Americans
📖 Explore Arab American Civil Rights Work:
Join the Conversation
Hala Salaam Maksoud reminds us that justice requires action. Her fight for Arab American representation and civil liberties continues to inspire activists today. As we honor her, let’s reflect on the importance of speaking out against discrimination, engaging in advocacy, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
💬 How can we continue Maksoud’s work for Arab American representation today?
💬 What are some civil rights issues affecting Arab Americans and other marginalized communities that need our attention?
📢 Hashtags to Share & Celebrate
#HalaSalaamMaksoud #ArabAmericanHeritage #CivilRightsChampion #JusticeForAll #30DaysOfHonoringArabAmericans #ArabAmericanRepresentation #AdvocacyMatters
Learn more: The Arab American Institute is a non-profit membership organization that advocates for the interests of Arab-Americans.
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #CelebrateDiversity
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