Born: 1980 (Brooklyn, New York)
Biography:
Linda Sarsour, born in 1980, is an American political activist who has made significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice. As co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March, the 2017 Day Without a Woman, and the 2019 Women’s March, she has played a pivotal role in mobilizing women across the country to stand up for their rights. She has also served as the former executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, where she worked tirelessly to empower and uplift marginalized communities.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Linda Sarsour was the eldest of seven children born to Palestinian immigrants. Her father owned a small market in Crown Heights called Linda’s, instilling in her a strong work ethic and an appreciation for entrepreneurship. Sarsour was raised in Sunset Park and attended John Jay High School in Park Slope. After high school, she pursued higher education, taking courses at Kingsborough Community College and Brooklyn College with the aspiration of becoming an English teacher.
Sarsour’s journey as a political activist began with her involvement in advocating for the civil rights of American Muslims following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Shortly before 9/11, she was asked by her relative, Basemah Atweh, who was the founder of the Arab American Association of New York, to volunteer for the organization. Atweh, who held a prominent political role uncommon for a Muslim woman at the time, became Sarsour’s mentor and inspired her to embrace activism as a means of effecting change.
Tragedy struck when Sarsour and Atweh were involved in a car accident while returning from the Arab American National Museum opening in Michigan in 2005. Atweh tragically lost her life in the accident, while Sarsour sustained only minor injuries. Determined to honor her mentor’s memory, Sarsour immediately returned to work, stating, This is where she wanted me to be. At the young age of 25, she was appointed as the executive director of the Arab American Association of New York, carrying on Atweh’s legacy.
Under Sarsour’s leadership, the association experienced significant growth, with the annual budget expanding from $50,000 to $700,000. She dedicated her efforts to addressing diverse issues affecting the Arab American community, such as education, housing, and healthcare. Sarsour’s commitment to social justice extended beyond her immediate community, as she advocated for the civil rights of all marginalized groups in the United States.
She first gained national attention for her vocal opposition to police surveillance targeting American Muslims. Sarsour fearlessly spoke out against the infringement of civil liberties, playing a crucial role in raising awareness about the discrimination faced by Muslim communities. Her activism was not confined to a single cause, though, as she soon became involved in a range of civil rights issues, including police brutality, immigration policy, feminism, and mass incarceration.
Sarsour’s impact on society was acknowledged when she and her Women’s March co-chairs were listed among Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017. Her commitment to justice and equality won her recognition and praise from liberal and progressive circles. However, her stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and her support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel also drew criticism from some conservative and Jewish leaders and organizations.
In addition to her work with the Women’s March and the Arab American Association of New York, Sarsour has organized and participated in various Black Lives Matter demonstrations, championing racial justice and police accountability. She has also been involved in legal battles, serving as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the legality of the Trump travel ban.
While her activism has undoubtedly faced its share of challenges, Sarsour remains driven by her unwavering dedication to justice and equality. She continues to be a powerful advocate for marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, and striving to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Awards:
– Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017