Muslim Civic Coalition Joins IMAN and Diverse Coalition to Commemorate the Historic 60th Anniversary of the Chicago Freedom Movement

Chicago, IL — August 1, 2026 — The Muslim Civic Coalition joined our partners at the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) along with a multi-faith, mutli-race coalition to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s 1966 March on Maquette Park in honor of the Chicago Freedom Movement.

60 years ago, Dr. King, alongside multi-faith leaders, Chicago Freedom Movement members, and hundreds of civil rights activists peacefully marched in the Marquette Park neighborhood in efforts to end housing discrimination. The marchers were met by a violent mob of about 700 white protesters who hurled bottles, rocks, and bricks, one of which struck Dr. King on the head.

Afterwards, Dr. King famously said, “I’ve been in many demonstrations all across the South, but I can say that I have never seen, even in Mississippi and Alabama, mobs as hostile and as hate-filled as I’m seeing in Chicago.”

On Saturday, IMAN convened hundreds of organizations, leaders, activists, and community members, both from Chicago and across the nation, for “The Fierce Urgency of Now: A National March into Marquette Park”. The event began with speakers who called for the protection of voting rights, freedom from mass criminalization, economic justice, and a future rooted in dignity, justice and shared humanity. One of the core messages throughout the day was that although the Chicago Freedom Movement made significant strides in its time, the work remained unfinished. Today, housing disparities and discrimination continue, alongside ongoing police brutality and a lack of funding, resources, and investment in Black communities across Chicago. Some speakers tied these issues to the discrimination and violence faced by immigrant and minority communities through immigration enforcement, emphasizing that the tactics of systemic racism and brutality remain just as present today as they were 60 years ago.

Artists and musicians energized the crowd with chants and songs grounded in unity and power. Led by Dr. Bernice King, daughter of the late Dr. King, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago-native rapper Common, and community organizers, marchers proceeded from 63rd and Kedzie to Marquette Park. Although the crowd faced heavy rain, the atmosphere was powerful, resilient and full of hope. 

The Muslim Civic Coalition was proudly represented through three “on-site activations”, where marchers had the opportunity to engage with advocacy organizations and participate in teach-ins, art builds, and activities. Members of the Coalition team hosted an informational table at the “Resource Fair” where our organizers connected with the community and shared more about our work and purpose. Lead Organizer, Rija Arshad, led a “Speed Organizing" activation with Sacred Roots member, Mary Harrison. This activity connected activists of diverse backgrounds with one other, while practicing storytelling, active listening, and a commitment to action. 

Afterwards, Rija co-led a voter workshop with Andy Garcia of Southwest Action Network, bringing together organizers from different states for an in-depth and passionate conversation about the reality of voting rights today. Participants shared their experiences, discussed the advocacy work they are leading in their own communities, and reflected on the actions we can take moving forward under the current administration.

We thank IMAN for convening a powerful robust coalition to march, and build a community-centered movement to address: voting rights and democratic participation, ICE detention and family unity, and militarization and human rights. 

The Muslim Civic Coalition was grateful to have been a part of this historic moment. This work aligns with the Coalition’s work and mission to advance racial justice through coalition building and faith-based advocacy.

The Muslim Civic Coalition was grateful to have been a part of this historic moment, one that reflects the timeless power of collective action and the pursuit towards a more just and equitable world. As we reflect on the summer of 250, we honor those who marched, organized, and sacrificed for a future rooted in dignity and liberation. Their resilience and courage built the foundation upon which we stand, and their values and wisdom continue to guide the work that we must continue. 

The Chicago Freedom Movement and the broader Civil Rights Movement reminds us that we cannot move forward without unity, solidarity, and unbreakable conviction. And today, as many of the rights and victories so many have secured through generations of struggle face renewed threats, we must understand our responsibility to uphold and protect these fundamental freedoms, especially for those most vulnerable. 

The Muslim Civic Coalition remains committed to advancing these values championed by those who came before us. We march alongside our communities, we advocate for a future rooted in shared humanity, and we continue the journey through reflection, learning, and action.

We march. We journey. We listen. And through each step, we carry this work together, towards a more just future.