By Rashida Tlaib
— As told by Pegah Smiley
Rashida Tlaib is the first ever Palestinian-American Congresswoman in the United States. She is the Democratic representative of Michigan’s 13th district. On January 3rd, 2019, Rashida Tlaib was sworn into Congress on an English-translated Quran and in her traditional Palestinian dress. She has brought a sorely needed break in homogenous ideologies in Congress.
Congresswoman Tlaib’s previous political career include working with State Representative Steve Tobocman, then being elected for Michigan’s House of Representatives for four consecutive years, and lastly being a lawyer at the non-profit organization of Sugar Law Center in Detroit.
Rashida’s hard work and genuine care for her community has garnered her widespread love and support. Her people trust her and appreciate her, and that’s shown in vote of confidence she has continually received from her community.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is a passionate, outspoken, fearless, and inspiring woman that doesn’t let the corrupt system get in her way of supporting her community.
One of Tlaib’s most impressive acts was her fight against the billionaire Matty Moroun. When Moroun’s company started to pollute a Detroit neighborhood for his own gain with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality claiming that everything was fine, Rashida took the matters in her own hands. She took a sample of the pollution and found out about the cancer-causing “petroleum coke,” forcing Moroun to follow the law. Rashida has fearlessly led campaigns such as “We Have A Right To Breathe” to take on those who believe they are above the law.
Rashida Tlaib is also one of the first two Muslim Congresswomen in the history of the US. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is a passionate, outspoken, fearless, and inspiring woman that doesn’t let the corrupt system get in her way of supporting her community. She recently passed her first bill of 2020, one that blocks medically- necessary debt from negatively affecting credit scores. No doubt, this landmark bill will work to improve the living conditions Americans across the country.
Needless to say, we are incredibly excited to follow her journey and cheer on the positive changes she will make as a Congresswoman.