Since 2013, the MPAC Empowering Voices Awards have honored political and cultural leaders working to perfect American pluralism. We bring together the nation's most influential advocates to celebrate causes and individuals who have worked with us to champion the American and Islamic values of freedom, justice, and equality for all.
2024 Empowering Voices Honorees
This year, we are honored to present Senator Bernie Sanders with the Lifetime Achievement Award and posthumously recognize Shireen Abu Akleh with an Empowering Voices Award. Both Sanders and Abu Akleh have been unwavering in their pursuit of justice and truth. Senator Sanders has spent decades advocating for racial, social, and economic equity, while Shireen Abu Akleh bravely dedicated her life to reporting on the oppression and injustices faced by the Palestinian people. Their contributions are a testament to the importance of speaking truth to power. We will also recognize political commentator Krystal Ball with an Empowering Voices Award for her work in promoting fair and unbiased journalism. Her efforts have been crucial in showcasing the importance of independent media in upholding the principles of democracy and the protection of human rights.
Sen. bernie sanders
Politician, Activist - (D-VT)
Since October 7th, Senator Sanders has been a leading voice against President Biden’s unwavering support for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s siege of Gaza. He notably secured a Senate vote calling for the State Department to report on potential human rights violations by Israel in Gaza. His outspoken support for students protesting Israel’s actions on college campuses — despite facing false accusations of antisemitism and support for Hamas — has been especially significant. Senator Sanders’ decades of public service embodies MPAC’s core values of human dignity, justice, mercy, and equality and equity for all.
shireen abu akleh
Journalist, Broadcaster - Al Jazeera
For decades, Shireen’s voice brought the truth of the Palestinian struggle to the world. In 2022, Shireen’s tragic and unjust death deeply impacted our community, and we continue to grieve with family, friends, and colleagues who lost such an extraordinary woman. Her unwavering dedication to truth and justice, especially in her tireless coverage of the Palestinian cause, has inspired not only the American Muslim community but people around the world. 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.
Krystal Ball
Political Commentator, Podcast Co-Host - Breaking Points
As a leading voice in political commentary and co-host of the anti-establishment podcast and YouTube show, Breaking Points, Krystal has consistently challenged corporate media narratives, advocating for independent journalism that prioritizes truth and transparency. Earlier this year, Krystal hosted MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati on Breaking Points, where he discussed the increasing hate and discrimination facing the many courageous students advocating for Palestine. Krystal’s willingness to provide space for diverse perspectives is critical as we continue to shed light on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the global marginalization of those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Featured Speakers
naz shah
British Member of Parliament
Naz Shah has been a tireless advocate for equality, justice, and the rights of marginalized communities. Her dedication to combating Islamophobia, xenophobia, and systemic racism has made her a powerful voice in the UK and beyond.
Past Honorees
Past honorees include journalist and author, Mehdi Hasan, DNC Chair and then Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, NPR Journalist and "Serial" podcast creator Sarah Koenig, and civil rights icon, Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), among many others.
Attendees include government officials, media professionals, civic leaders, community activists, and young leaders. The Awards also serve as an opportunity for like minded professionals to network and celebrate our wins.
In 2019, we honored Mehdi Hasan for his journalistic integrity, courage, and commitment to truth, Eric Treene for his commitment to protecting religious freedom at the Dept. of Justice, Rep. Zoe Lofgren for ensuring human dignity in immigration policies, and Dr. Debbie Almontaser for promoting pluralism in the political and civic process.
Watch the acceptance speeches.
Dr. Debbie Almontaser
Dr. Debbie Almontaser is a community activist, advocate, entrepreneur, and educator who works across sectors in New York City. Dr. Almontaser has developed avenues for social exchange to encourage interfaith activism and outreach across the boundaries of race, ethnicity and religion.
MEHDI HASAN
Mehdi Hasan is a columnist at the Intercept, host of the podcast Deconstructed and TV shows UpFront and Head to Head on Al Jazeera TV. Hasan’s tenacity and courage in reporting represent the best tradition of journalism.
Rep. ZOE LOFGREN
Rep. Zoe Lofgren has been a civil servant for over two decades, having first been elected to represent California’s 19th District in 1994. Over the last three years, she has been a steadfast ally for American Muslims on Capitol Hill and an advocate for immigrants.
ERIC TREENE
Eric Treene has been a steadfast government advocate for the religious liberties and human rights of American Muslims across three presidential administrations. Treene manages the Justice Department’s efforts to protect Muslims, Sikhs, Arab-Americans and Asian-Americans from discrimination and bias crimes.
Stosh Cotler | Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Mehdi Hasan, Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)