3 Questions with Amir Mohareb

Why is Racial Equity and Social Justice important to you?

I have long been inspired by people who overcome adversity to advocate for those facing discrimination and injustice. As a child, I remember learning about Oscar Romero's heroic work and sacrifice in El Salvador in advocacy for the poor and oppressed. My faith and upbringing have kept me focused on justice. As I have lived and worked in many different environments over the years and with people of diverse backgrounds, I have learned that there are many things that bind our fates upon one another. Racial equity is deeply connected to our shared history and future, especially in this country.

What's keeping you awake at night related to social inequity and injustice?

For every step forward, it often feels like our society takes many steps back. Currently, I am thinking about the stigma that is rising against racial minority immigrants, particularly people in and from Haiti. That country has been subjected to oppression, colonialism, violence, and exploitation for centuries. Haitian immigrants to the US have also endured a long history of stigmatization and violence, and it seems to be getting even worse this year. In addition to that, I have been kept up at night by the intense violence and wars around the world, especially in Palestine, where people have been resisting a system of colonization and racial apartheid.

3. What are you working on now that you are mostly excited about that may help eliminate disparities in our nation?

I am so very lucky to be working within a collective of like-minded and talented individuals. I have lots to learn, but I am hopeful for my work related to public health and safety for recently arrived asylum-seekers in the US. Many of them live in challenging circumstances of poverty and homelessness but would readily succeed in this country if given the opportunity.