May 14, Washington D.C.

In the days following September 11th, the men and women of the Sikh Coalition, based in New York, saw a great need to help the Sikh community in a time of crisis, and they took it upon themselves to do the hard work of championing that cause.

As “the voice of a people,” the Sikh Coalition (www.sikhcoalition.org) has become one of the most successful organizations to help safeguard the Sikh community and promote the Sikh identity. As a result of its work, the Sikh Coalition has built strong relationships with people of influence in both the public and private sector.

On May 14, 2002, the Sikh Coalition held an Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C. to formally recognize members of Congress, Federal agencies, advocacy groups, and the media, who were crucial in ensuring the safety of at-risk communities following 9/11. The banquet, with almost 200 guests, was hosted by the Sikh American Association (SAA) of Washington D.C.

SAA was also formed in the weeks following 9/11 by a group of students and young professionals, including attorneys from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. As an "on the ground" group of DC-based activists, SAA works hand-in hand with the Sikh Coalition Legislative Affairs office on all governmental and political issues.

A spokesman for SAA stated:

Immediately following the attacks, SAA (www.saausa.org) disseminated safety / civil rights materials at all greater-DC Gurduaaras and began a campaign on Capital Hill to ensure attention to the plight of Sikh Americans. SAA's biggest success, with the steady support of their umbrella Sikh Coalition, was the passage of the Durbin-Honda-Shays Resolution condemning hate crimes against Sikh American, and all Americans, which was included in the Patriot Act and signed into law by Bush. This was a precedent-setting piece of legislation as it identified the unique situation facing Sikh Americans - unique from the typically broad categories of Indian American or South Asian.

In total, fourteen awards were presented by Gurpreet Singh Dhillon, director of the Sikh Coalition, and Amandeep Singh Sidhu of the Sikh American Association. The four keynote speakers were Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Mike Honda, Congressman Christopher Shays, and Dr. James Zogby of the Arab American Institute.

Congressman Christopher Shays, Connecticut:

“Thank you for having faith in Congress. Thank you for petitioning us. Thank you for honoring Len Wolfsen from my office.” Len Wolfsen is a Jew who fled oppression in Russia and came here as a small child with his family. He is now a chief adviser for the congressman on defense issues and foreign affairs.

In total, fourteen awards were presented by Gurpreet Singh Dhillon, director of the Sikh Coalition, and Amandeep Singh Sidhu of the Sikh American Association. The four keynote speakers were Senator Richard Durbin, Congressman Mike Honda, Congressman Christopher Shays, and Dr. James Zogby of the Arab American Institute.

Congressman Christopher Shays, Connecticut:

“Thank you for having faith in Congress. Thank you for petitioning us. Thank you for honoring Len Wolfsen from my office.” Len Wolfsen is a Jew who fled oppression in Russia and came here as a small child with his family. He is now a chief adviser for the congressman on defense issues and foreign affairs.

Congressman Michael M. Honda, California:

As a Japanese American, congressman Honda talked about the 1988 U.S. government's apology to Japanese Americans as an "American lesson." He emphasized that America should never make that mistake again. "The Constitution is a sacred contract between you and your government. It is not negotiable. It is always tested in times of tension." He said that the Sikh Coalition is helping to keep the government vigilant.

Senator Richard Durbin, Illinois:

Senator Durbin was one of the first public officials to meet with representatives of the Sikh Coalition. "I came to learn about Sikh Americans." Senator Durbin talked about how his family fled religious oppression in Lithuania.

Dr. James Zogby, Arab American Institute (AAI):

Doctors Zogby talked about how, like Sikhs, Arabs have asked the same questions within their own community. "Why can't we get along? They can do it why can't we?" However, in such a short time, compared to the Muslim community, the Sikh community has come far, he said.

On September 11th, within two hours, Dr. Zogby got his first death threat. He also got many offensive e-mails, yet he responded back in kindness. Surprisingly, those people responded back with "I'm sorry, I didn't understand." Dr. Zogby said "goodness exists in the basic core of every citizen."

The awards ceremony was ended by a personal account of September 11th from Amardeep Singh of the Sikh Coalition. Amardeep worked near the World Trade Center. That day he was encouraged by loved ones to take off his turban for his own safety. But he refused to lose his identity. It was then that he realized that the Sikh community needed a capable presence. Amardeep's recollection of that day was emotional.

The awards banquet was a successful event in its organization and presentation. The evening was both emotional and uplifting.

The other awardees were:

Ernest Bayner & Susie Ahn - Office of Congressman Mike Honda

Natasha Blain - Chief Counsel, Senator Richard Durbin

Deborah Barfield - Newsday

Paul Igasaki - Vice Chairman, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Deepa Iyer - Department of Justice

Deborah Kong - Associated Press News

Norman Mineta - Secretary, Department of Transportation

Karen Narasaki - NAPALC

Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher - Article in Newsweek on his medical seva during 9/11.

Lan Wolfsen - Office of Congressman Christopher Shays

Blane Workie-Department of Transportation

The Sikh Coalition is active in the following areas:

I. Documenting Hate Crimes / Bias Incidents

The Coalition actively documented hate crimes by creating an on-line database and using it to approach Attorney John Ashcroft. This led to the passage of a resolution (S Con 74) condemning hate crimes against Sikh Americans. The resolution was a historic first for Sikhs in the United States, as it is the first piece of legislation that specifically recognizes the Sikh American community as a distinct and important part of American society.

II. Working Against Airport Profiling

The Sikh Coalition also met with Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to work to unlawful airport profiling of Sikhs. That let to the draft of a Fact Sheet and a directive to airport security screeners outlining proper screening procedures to protect the civil rights of Sikhs. Instances of airport profiling have decreased significantly.

III. Preventing and Combating Employment Discrimination

The Coalition is working, for example, on the case of the dismissed Sikh NYPD police officer.

IV. Improving Media Awareness of the Sikh Community

Worked with “Newsweek” magazine to print the story of Dr. Navinderdeep Singh Nijher, a Sikh doctor who rushed immediately to the World trade Center and helped set up the initial triage and medical care facilities.

V. Developing Community Outreach Programs for the Sikh Community

Establishing strong links with Gurduaaras to effectively inform, mobilize, and educate the Sikh community.

VI. Protecting Human Rights

Proactively protect freedom and justice of the international community.