We Need To End Racial Injustice Now
In June, American Muslim Health Professionals (AMHP) issued a statement calling for an end to racial injustice and police brutality against Black and African American communities, and protested the senseless killings of Breonna Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minneapolis. Yesterday, Jacob Blake narrowly avoided becoming another Black or African American police-related fatality statistic. Still, he was shot seven times in his back by law enforcement, and left paralyzed. This has resulted in public outrage that has escalated to riots in Kenosha.
Unnecessary use of brutal force where de-escalation techniques should be used continue to perpetuate a public health crisis in Black and Brown communities, and condemning these actions is of paramount importance. This statement serves to reinforce AMHP’s unequivocal commitment to standing against all forms of racism and bigotry, and we continue to advocate for justice and stand in solidarity with our Black and African American communities. As a community of health leaders and activists, we have to demand an end to systemic racism and speak out against the existing structures that enable it.
AMHP Board of Directors:
Hasan Shanawani, MD, MPH Board President
Shady Shebak, MD Board Vice-President
Zaiba Malik, MD Executive Secretary
Atif Adam, Ph.D., MD, MPH Treasurer
Bilal T. Abbas MPA, MSW, CADC Chapter Director
Rukhsana Chaudhry Psy D. Mental Health Program Director
Afroz Hafeez, MD, MBA Advisory Board Chair
Ishak Hossain Membership Director
Saima Siddiqui, MS Professional Development Director
Sana Syed MD, MPH Health Policy & Advocacy Director
Arshia Wajid MBA, MPH Founder & Development Director
