(ATLANTA, GA, 2/12/2026) – On Thursday February 12th, the Georgia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) and Georgia Muslim Voter Project (GAMVP) hosted Georgia Muslim Advocacy Day at the Georgia State Capitol.
For the fourth consecutive year, the event brought over 100 Georgia Muslims to the state capitol for an opportunity to meet with their legislators and address key issues affecting their communities. Sixteen non-profit organizations and businesses sponsored the event. Attendees participated in a lobbying workshop, where they learned how to effectively share their thoughts with their elected officials.
Attendees were addressed by Georgia Muslim elected officials Senator Nabilah Parkes, Representative Akbar Ali and Representative Ruwa Romman.
“Muslim Advocacy Day at the Capitol allows our community to see the Constitution in action by asserting their voices and sharing their concerns directly with lawmakers. Recent efforts to vilify Muslims, immigrants, and minorities by politicians and the media, changes to citizenship and immigration policies, attempts to limit access to the ballot, and create societal divisiveness are all attempts to undermine civic engagement. A civically engaged Muslim community is educated and empowered to bring about change, and challenge injustice everywhere. As Georgians and as Americans, the Muslim community takes responsibility for the future of our state by participating in democracy at all levels. We advocate for equitable policies that promote freedom and wellbeing for all Georgians and preserve our diverse community’s safety. As a civil rights organization, CAIR-Georgia remains committed to educating and empowering Muslims to participate constructively with Georgia’s lawmakers, especially on issues that impact their daily lives.” – Azka Mahmood, Executive Director CAIR-Georgia (CAIR GA)
“Muslim Advocacy Day comes at a time when many of our families and communities are feeling uncertainty about their safety, their rights, and immigration policies that affect whether people feel secure participating in public life. Georgia Muslims are at the Capitol to remind our leaders that we are part of the fabric of this state and deserve policies rooted in dignity, fairness, and opportunity. Advocacy is how we look out for one another, how we strengthen our democracy, and how we make sure the decisions sharing our daily lives reflect the real experiences of the people who call Georgia home. GAMVP is proud to help make civic engagement accessible so our communities can show up informed, organized, and ready to help shape Georgia’s future.” -Shafina Khabani, Executive Director, Georgia Muslim Voter Project (GAMVP)
Georgia Muslim Advocacy Day attendees represented different faith traditions, ethnicities, ages, and genders with participants travelling from communities across the state. From Augusta to Columbus, Georgia Muslims met with lawmakers to discuss proposed immigration legislation and enforcement that are affecting Georgians daily. Georgia Muslim Advocacy Day provided an opportunity for community members to share their experiences directly with elected officials and participate in advocacy around policies that impact the safety and stability of Georgia families.
CAIR-Georgia’s mission is to protect civil rights, promote justice, empower American Muslims and enhance the understanding of Islam.
Georgia Muslim Voter Project’s mission is to activate Muslim voters on their civic engagement journeys and elevate the voices of Georgia Muslims from the ballot to the Capitol. We stand for equal representation and justice in all forms.
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CONTACT: Nazia Khanzada, [email protected] (CAIR-GA) 404-239-2086
Urooj Ali, [email protected] (GAMVP), 470-222-6517