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Denver, CO — November 19, 2024 — Today, a new chapter in community advocacy and political representation begins with the launch of the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus. This groundbreaking initiative, led by Colorado state representative Iman Jodeh, the first Muslim and first Palestinian American elected to the Colorado legislature, aims to elevate the voices of Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA), and Muslim communities within Colorado and beyond. Representative Jodeh will be joined by Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie, the first Iranian American elected to the Colorado legislature.
In its mission, the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus is committed to protecting civil rights and combating xenophobia and Islamophobia by advocating for equity through legislation, collective action, public engagement, and amplified representation. They will work to advance interests and address the unique challenges of the diverse heritages and religions within Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Muslim communities in Colorado, promoting justice and inclusion for all.
“This past year and an impending Trump administration has underscored the need to create a united caucus that ensures our community’s representation and presence is elevated and has an uncompromising agency at the Capitol,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora. “We are dedicated to advancing and guaranteeing accurate representation of the diverse MENASA population, including groups beyond Muslims, such as Sikh, Baháʼí, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Catholic minorities. These communities also face anti-Arab and anti-Brown hate crimes, xenophobia, and discrimination. Our region and population are unique because we are forced to identify primarily through religious narratives rather than our unified identities. It is time to challenge this monolithic framing. By amplifying representation and advocating for equity, we aim not only to protect the rights of our communities but also to champion initiatives that foster justice, inclusion, and unity.”
Representative Jodeh joined the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus in 2020 when she was elected to her first term.
“The Black Caucus has given me a home over the past four years that gave me a sense of belonging when I was the only. My time in the Black caucus has been invaluable and one I will carry with me. I am committed to continue to work closely with them and all allied caucus,” said Representative Iman Jodeh, D-Aurora.
“I brought Iman into the Black Caucus because we were all fighting for our communities, regardless of ethnicity. She brought a wealth of knowledge to the caucus, and I know she will still advocate for the Black community,” said Senator Janet Buckner, ranking member of the Black Caucus.
“It has been a pleasure to serve with Rep. Jodeh as a member of the BDLC,” said Representative Jennifer Bacon, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Black Caucus. “She joined us as a place of support as she represents a district (Aurora) and an intersectional community (Muslim and Arab) critical for the Black Caucus to uplift. We hope that we served as a place of learning as we wish her success in creating and sustaining the Joint MENASA and Muslim Caucus.”
“Growing up as the daughter of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of community support in navigating adversity,” said Representative-elect Yara Zokaie. “Through the caucus, we aim to extend that support and bring meaningful change to our communities. With the approaching Trump presidency, it is more important than ever for our communities to have fierce advocates and mount a proactive and comprehensive defense. Should Trump attempt to reinstate a Muslim ban, we will be ready to put protections in place. We are committed to being a voice for the voiceless and amplifying the perspectives of those who so often go unheard as we fight in solidarity for a more just and equitable society. It’s a privilege to stand alongside Representative Jodeh to make a difference.”
“Representative Jodeh has been an incredible advocate for her community and has worked tirelessly to pass critical legislation,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I am excited to see her continue her leadership in the capitol with the creation of this new caucus, and it is a privilege to welcome Representative-elect Zokaie to the House. Our caucus reflects the diversity of our state, and policy making in the legislature is strengthened because of our affinity caucuses. I know the Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus will be an important resource for lawmakers.”
The Joint MENASA & Muslim Caucus has partnered with East Meets West, a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization that mobilizes and champions MENASA and SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies. Alongside their partners, they have been an integral part of having MENA included in the upcoming U.S. Census and have built the largest standing Membership Collective and Coalition in history to support MENASA/SWANASA artists, leaders, and companies.
East Meets West Senior Advisor Serina Khan expressed their support for this collaboration, saying, “We are so grateful to have partnered with Representative Jodeh and Representative-Elect Zokaie to launch this first-of-its-kind caucus and welcome more communities to join us to support our marginalized and often underrepresented and misrepresented community. Now more than ever, it is time to build new tables with unlimited seating alongside individuals and groups who share our values.”
About Iman Jodeh
Iman Jodeh, was elected in 2020 as the first Muslim and first Palestinian American. She is a first-generation American and has called Colorado, specifically HD41, her home her entire life. Iman is the first female Spokesperson for the Colorado Muslim Society, the largest and oldest mosque in the Rocky Mountain region, and the founder of Meet the Middle East, a non-profit that fosters relationships between the US and the Middle East through education and immersive travel. She also spent years lecturing about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict at the University of Denver Enrichment Program. She has passed legislation like medical debt forgiveness, eviction protections, and access to affordable medications. Notably, she also passed landmark legislation establishing the Office of New Americans in Colorado and the Colorado Option, the largest health insurance bill in Colorado’s history.
About Yara Zokaie
Representative-Elect Yara Zokaie will soon become the first Iranian American sworn into the Colorado State Legislature. Zokaie is a dedicated public servant and accomplished tax attorney, currently serving as Chief Deputy Assessor for Larimer County. She has consistently advocated for transparency, equity, and economic justice in her work. Notably, she successfully organized a community to help pass a paid family leave program in Colorado.
About East Meets West
East Meets West is a non-partisan, non-secular, not-for-profit organization founded in October 2023 in response to the rise of anti-Arab, anti-MENASA/SWANASA, islamophobia, anti-semitism, and anti-sikh hate crimes. East Meets West fosters a community that mobilizes, invests, and spotlights Middle Eastern, SouthWest Asian, North African, and South Asian creators, leaders & companies. They have been building the largest Membership Collective and Coalition to lead narrative change and socio-economic empowerment for the MENASA/SWANASA community. Their programming and initiatives include launching safe spaces at major film festivals and business conferences and launching business accelerators and talent pipeline programs across the entertainment, technology, and commerce industry. They have been a vital driver behind MENA being added to the upcoming 2030 U.S. Census. As well as launching MENASA/SWANASA Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Fortune 500 companies.