Keith Ellison, 43, is a father, husband, attorney, former Minnesota state legislator, community advocate – and now a United States Congressman. Ellison’s roots as a community activist and his message of inclusivity through democratic participation resonated throughout the Fifth District.  His long career of advocacy is focused on promoting peace, prosperity for working families, and civil and human rights. In 2006, Ellison made history as the first African American elected to Congress from Minnesota and the first member of the Muslim faith elected to Congress. Congressman Ellison took his ceremonial oath ceremony into Congress with the holy Qur’an that was owned by founding father Thomas Jefferson.  Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he moved to Minnesota in 1987 to attend the University of Minnesota Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1990.  Ellison and his wife, Kim, a high school mathematics teacher, have lived on the Minneapolis Northside for the past eighteen years.  They are the proud parents of four children. Ellison will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming banquet for the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ southern California chapter on Nov. 10.

 InFocus: What inspired you to get involved in politics?
Keith Ellison: [It was a] deeply-rooted desire to see people treated fairly, kindly and compassionately.  My parents raised us to make a difference.  I saw firsthand when I was at the University of Minnesota how one person could impact the lives of their friends, neighbors, communities and country through public service.  The late Senator Paul Wellstone inspired me to enter electoral politics.  I was an activist for years before that.  Wellstone’s example led me to enter formal politics by showing that sincere and dedicated people can make government work without losing focus or purpose.

IF: What do you say to those who say that you should not have taken an oath on the Qur’an?
KE: They should dust off their copies of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship and expressly prohibits the application of religious tests as qualification for holding elective office.

IF: Do you encounter any difficulties being a Muslim in Congress?
KE: Not really.  Perhaps the one misconception that I confront often is that as the first Muslim elected to Congress, I speak for all 1.2 billion Muslims in the world.  No one could possibly do that and I do not make any attempt to do so.  I can only speak for myself and hope that my example brings more enlightenment to those who may have stereotyped Muslims.

IF: How did you feel when Glenn Beck of CNN asked you to prove that you are not working with America’s enemies?
KE: I felt that he was trying to improve his ratings at the expense of a community of Americans.

IF: Why is a Congressional resolution on Ramadan important?
KE: Ramadan is a time of reflection, a time of renewal, and regeneration.  The first Congressional Resolution recognizing our holy month is important because we are integral to the American fabric.  Congressional recognition represents the true expression of American values, religious tolerance and inclusion of everyone.

IF: For a freshman member of Congress, you have been on a lot of international trips. Where did you travel to and what are you trying to achieve?
KE: Last Spring, I joined The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, on a trip to Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Portugal.  I also have visited American troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Germany.   This past August, I returned to Israel and Palestine.  My purpose was to understand better.  I have always felt that dialogue is the key to better understanding.   Meeting with the leaders, as well as the people of these locales helps me better understand their perspective. 

IF: Can you describe the spiritual aspect of your trip to Masjid Al-Aqsa?
KE: It was a truly spiritual journey and it defies explanation.  I was very moved by it.  I will never forget it.  I was also troubled to learn that I could experience something so moving yet my fellow Muslims living in East Jerusalem are not allowed to visit.

IF: What can we as Americans do to promote peaceful policies in the world rather than wars and sectarian/religious conflicts?
KE: We need a new level of engagement.  We need to write, speak, lobby and litigate.  We need to build bridges and walls.  We also need to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.  Peace is tough.  It’s actually easier to lash out in anger.  We need the courage to work it out and talk it out even with people we disagree with. 

IF: What can American Muslims do to challenge Islamophobia and correct our fellow Americans’ wrong perceptions about Islam?
KE: We need to correct wrong information by telling our story.  We need to engage with people to give them better information.  We need a much bigger presence on Capitol Hill.

IF: In light of the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in our country, is there any role for American Muslims in politics?
KE: Absolutely, there’s a role for Muslims.  In fact, it’s more important than ever that we not hide, withdraw or sit on the sideline.  Because of the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in our country, we must play active roles in American politics:  work for candidates who share our vision of religious tolerance, generosity and inclusiveness, seek office ourselves at every level and contribute our time, energy and resources.

IF: Your quick comments and position on: War in Iraq, universal healthcare, minimum wage, immigration reform, and peace in the Middle East.
KE: I support as immediate a withdrawal of our troops that ensures their safe return home.  I am in favor of engaging the United Nations and nations in the region to work towards the reconciliation and reconstruction of a stable Iraq. 
I support a universal, single payer health insurance program for all Americans.
I advocated and achieved a raise in the minimum wage as a Minnesota State Legislator.  I have worked hard for, spoke repeatedly in favor of and voted for the successful passage of the first raise in the minimum wage by Congress in ten years. 
I am in favor of comprehensive immigration reform.  We are a nation of immigrants; immigrants built, and continue to build, our nation.  Our policies should reflect that. 
I am in favor of the establishment of a Palestinian state in the Middle East; one that is embraced by, and embraces the sovereignty and safety of all other nations in the region.

IF: What are your future plans?
KE: To continue to work hard for peace and prosperity for working families, economic justice, environmental sustainability and civil and human rights.