Before American Muslims became more visible on Capitol Hill with the arrival of two Muslim representatives, Keith Ellison and Andre Carson, there was the indefatigable Jihad F. Saleh. Although not an elected official, he could be seen years ago and to this day running between policy hearings and votes on the Hill.

As a legislative assistant, Saleh focuses his policy analysis on the issues of education, homeland security and government reform. Along with his policy duties, Saleh is the program and outreach coordinator for the Congressional Muslim Staffers Association (CMSA), which provides educational resources about Islam and represents the interests of American Muslims to Congress, its staff and government organizations.

A native of Los Angeles, Saleh completed his undergraduate studies in political science and sociology at UCLA, where his interest in community organizing and social activism was cultivated. Saleh's work with the African Student Union and Muslim Students Association focused on increasing minority enrollment, increasing ethnic and class diversity within student government and establishing partnerships between student programs and inner-city community organizations.

Saleh says his passion for community organizing and social activism arose from his childhood. The son of African American and Latino American parents who fused their Christian spirituality with social justice themes, Saleh says he already had an extensive background in social justice work when he became Muslim.

As an African American, the tireless networker and organizer says he comes from a community that has experienced political and social struggles. Saleh says he wants to share these experiences with American Muslims and sees the African American Muslim community as an important repository of wisdom and knowledge that can help American Muslims in general address challenges such as bigotry, prejudice and fear of the other.

Infusing his Muslim activism with interests related to his identities as an African American, Muslim convert, and Shia Muslim, Saleh's intra-faith activities consistently address the lack of representation from these populations in leadership circles throughout American Muslim organizations and in media coverage .Outside of his Congressional activities, Saleh is committed to building effective future American leaders. He is a member of the Muslim Leaders of Tomorrow network (MLT), which represents Muslim cultural diversity as well as the plurality of Islamic thought. The network promotes tolerance and respect across diverse communities through effective leadership and interfaith dialogue.

Committed to not only building effective leadership, but leaders directly involved in public affairs, Saleh works with the American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute’s (AMCLI) 2008-2009 training program. AMCLI aims to identify and prepare emerging American Muslim civic leaders. Saleh also serves as an advisor to the Muslim Public Service Network (MPSN), a program that brings together American Muslim interns working in DC policy and media institutions or on Capitol Hill.

Saleh has earned graduate degrees from Stanford University School of Education and Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs. Prior to graduate studies, he taught special education for four years at an inner-city high school in Los Angeles.

Posted October 29, 2008