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Portrait of Linda Sarsour

Photo: Web Summit · CC BY 2.0

Linda Sarsour

Leading Palestinian-American Activist, Justice Champion.

Born
19 March 1980
Born in
Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Why Linda is here

Linda's inclusion in the hall of fame is attributed to her significant contributions to civil rights, racial justice, and community activism. She has effectively utilized her platform to challenge stereotypes, advocate for marginalized communities, and organize some of the largest protests in U.S. history, making her a symbol of empowerment and resistance.

Their story

Linda Sarsour was born in Brooklyn in 1980 to Palestinian immigrants from al-Bireh. She led the Arab American Association of New York and first became known for protesting police surveillance of American Muslims.

She co-chaired the 2017 Women's March, one of the largest protests in US history, and was named to the Time 100 that year. An outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights and the boycott movement, she has paid for it with sustained attacks, and has kept organising for Palestine and for civil rights at home.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Linda’s path.

  1. 2017

    Leadership in the 2017 Women's March

    Co-chairing what was dubbed the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.

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  2. Advocacy Against Police Surveillance

    Her early activism was marked by protests against the surveillance of American Muslims and contributions to the Community Safety Act in New York.

  3. Establishment of Muslim School Holidays in NYC

    Successfully campaigned for the inclusion of Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr in New York City's public school calendar.

  4. Formation of Muslims for Ferguson

    Co-founding this initiative to support the Black Lives Matter movement following the shooting of Michael Brown.

  5. Recognition by the Obama Administration

    Honored as a "Champion of Change" for her efforts in empowering Arab and Muslim Americans through advocacy and engagement.

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Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Bridging Communities for Justice

    Sarsour's work has been pivotal in creating coalitions across racial, religious, and social lines, exemplified by her leadership roles in various justice movements including Black Lives Matter and Women's March.

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  2. Advocacy for Civil Liberties

    Played a critical role in the fight against biased policing and surveillance practices targeting Muslim communities in New York.

  3. Political and Social Mobilization

    Through platforms like MPower Change, she has mobilized Muslim Americans and allies in social justice initiatives, voter registration drives, and protests against unjust policies.

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  4. Promotion of Racial and Gender Justice

    Her intersectional approach to activism has raised awareness about the interconnectedness of racial, economic, gender, and social injustices.

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  5. Literary Contributions

    Authoring books such as "We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders" and engaging in public speaking, Linda has expanded the conversation on activism, resistance, and the role of faith in social justice.

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