SALDEF receives Congressional Citation from Congressman Chris Van Hollen
Washington, DC: October 19, 2007 – On October 11, 2007, Sikh Americans and civil rights leaders from across the nation gathered to join the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), the nation’s oldest and largest Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization, to recognize individuals who have helped in the empowerment and development of the Sikh American Community.
The Reverand Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of the Interfaith Alliance, set the tone of the evening with his keynote address, “When the next chapter of the Civil Rights struggle is written, not only will there be the names of King and Height, Bond and Parks, there will be the names Singh and Kaur.” Rev. Gaddy reflected on the recent controversy over the turban screening policy, “Your current struggle in the Sikh community, your current struggle with the TSA, highlights the sad challenge that stems from ignorance about religion, and the fear that is eroding the foundation of our Constitution.” Rev. Gaddy praised the efforts of the Sikh community, “Of all of the religious traditions that I know of in this nation, the Sikh community has done a better job identifying itself to the American public than any other religious group.” View Rev. Gaddy”s remarks .
The Office of Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) presented a Congressional Citation to SALDEF for “working to guarantee civil rights…and encourage[ing] our community to embrace and appreciate its diversity.” SALDEF President Mirin Kaur, accepted the award on behalf of SALDEF and applauded Congressman Van Hollen’s commitment to the protection of Sikh American civil rights in Maryland.
Sardar Ujagar Singh was honored with the Bhagat Singh Thind Community Empowerment Award for his decades of sewa (selfless-service) and dedication to Sikh American youth. Through Camp Chardi Kala, Sardar Ujagar Singh has educated and inspired countless Sikh American youth and filled them with the pride in their faith. Sardar Singh noted the success of his campers and the work SALDEF is doing for the community. Watch Sardar Ujagar Singh”s remarks .
Danial Sutherland, Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in the Department of Homeland Security, received the SALDEF Public Service Award for developing a more sustainable relationship between the Arab, Muslim, and Sikh American community and DHS which will help protect minority communities and better safeguard the United States
Julian Bond, Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, received the Dorothy Height Coalition Building Award for his lifetime dedication to advancing the civil rights of all Americans. Rev. Gaddy praised Julian Bond as “a living example of a reason not to lose hope.” Mr. Bond shared, “You couldn’t help but sit through this evening and not recognize the commonality between us. If you are a human being you have equal rights, and those equal rights must be respected not only by your fellow humans, but by the states in which you live. It is encouraging to see others struggling for this common cause.”
Sukhman Singh Dhami and Jaskaran Kaur, were both recognized with the inaugural SALDEF Youth Leadership Award as co-founders and co-directors of ENSAAF a premier Sikh human rights organization, dedicated to the struggle for justice of our brothers and sisters in Punjab and across the world. Their dedication to the cause of justice and equality is a true inspiration for young Sikhs across the country.