[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ANEELAH AFZALI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PRAMILA JAYAPAL

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 2024

  Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Aneelah 
Afzali, who is stepping down after over seven years of service as the 
Executive Director of the American Muslim Empowerment Network of the 
Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS-AMEN).
  Aneelah founded MAPS-AMEN in December 2016 to combat rising 
islamophobia and empower the Pacific Northwest Muslim American 
community. I was proud to bring Aneelah as my guest to the 2017 State 
of the Union Address during my first year in Congress. Her story as a 
Muslim American woman of color is truly the American story. Aneelah's 
presence demonstrated to President Trump that he could not silence the 
patriotism and resolve of people in this country based on their race, 
religion or country of origin. Her continued organizing over the next 
seven years impacted the lives of thousands and exemplified her 
commitment to the realization of a just world.
  Throughout her career, Aneelah's work with faith and non-faith 
communities has built bridges across religious, racial, cultural and 
political divides. Aneelah currently serves on a number of governing 
and advisory boards. Through this service, she emphasizes 
intersectionality and equity within the contexts of a wide array of 
issues such as gun violence prevention, racial justice, immigration 
reform and educational equity. She also continues to work with the 
Washington State Refugee Coordinator to welcome and resettle of Afghan 
refugees. She is a true community activist, interfaith leader, and 
civil rights advocate.
  Aneelah's particular combination of brilliance, commitment to 
organizing and community, tenacity and strategic ability has been a 
true gift to our region and our people. She has inspired and celebrated 
the leadership of countless others, and of regular community members 
taking action and recognizing the power of their voices. Her integrity 
and values underlie everything, and she has never wavered from those no 
matter how challenging the situation. I have been continually inspired 
by Aneelah's work to combat hate and create a more equitable society.
  As she continues her work to empower communities in new ways, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in celebrating Aneelah's many accomplishments 
and contributions to our country. On behalf of Washington's 7th 
Congressional District, I thank Aneelah for her partnership, service to 
the people of the Pacific Northwest and dedication to the fight for 
justice.

                          ____________________