Faith, Labor, and Collective Power: Muslim Civic Coalition Joins Arise Chicago’s 2026 Faith-Labor Action Breakfast

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Muslim Civic Coalition proudly participated in Arise Chicago’s inspiring Faith-Labor Action Breakfast held at Operating Engineers Local 399 in Chicago. The room was filled with over 600 faith leaders, labor organizers, workers, elected officials from Chicago, and state legislators from both the Senate and House.

The morning began with a beautiful opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ, setting a powerful tone of unity and purpose. The program also shared meaningful ways for attendees to plug in and take action in support of workers and immigrant communities.

This year’s gathering powerfully highlighted the essential role of labor in movement building. In a time when working families face increasing challenges, the event underscored that real, lasting change happens when faith communities and labor movements stand together. Through shared struggle and solidarity, we build the collective power needed to uplift all communities.

We were especially moved by the work of Arise Chicago, a longtime partner and fellow member of both ICIRR and the MIJA (Multifaith Immigrant Justice Alliance). For 35 years, Arise Chicago has stood with workers — particularly immigrant, low-wage, and domestic workers — through organizing, advocacy, leadership development, and prophetic action. Their consistent commitment to dignity, fairness, and justice is a shining example of how faith-rooted organizing can create meaningful change.

The program featured powerful voices including Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, SEIU President April Verrett (Visionary Leadership Awardee), Fr. Brendan Curran (Prophetic Leadership Awardee), and Arise domestic worker members (Transformational Power Awardees), along with a moving musical performance by the Chicago Federation of Musicians.

We left the breakfast renewed in our conviction that coalition work is movement work. When labor, faith, and community organizations come together, we are stronger, more effective, and better able to protect and uplift the most vulnerable among us.

Thank you to Arise Chicago and all the organizers for another impactful event. The Muslim Civic Coalition remains deeply committed to walking alongside our labor and faith partners in the continued fight for justice, dignity, and belonging for all.