At its fourth annual Fight for Justice Gala, the Arab-American Civil Rights League awarded Hilary O. Shelton, the NAACP’s Washington Bureau director and senior vice president for advocacy, the Ahmed and Rehab Amer Lifelong Pursuit of Justice Leadership Award.

Shelton, the keynote speaker at the event, which took place Oct. 1 at Greenfield Manor in Dearborn, said he had a conversation with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Poland about hate crimes and discrimination.

“The challenge of Islamophobia we’re facing here in the United States is very much alive and well in pretty much about every European country on the continent,” Shelton said.

The gala, which was attended by community activist and leaders, celebrated the organization’s progress in fighting discrimination against Arab Americans across the country. A study by the Arab American Institute found that favorable attitudes towards Muslims continued to decline from 35 percent in 2010 to 27 percent in 2014. For Arabs, it’s 43 percent in 2010 vs. 32 percent in 2014.

“Although one would guess to say that Arab Americans are better off today that immediately after 9/11, the inescapable truth is that Arab Americans are substantially unfavored more now than after the attacks,” said Nabih Ayad, ACRL’s founder and chairman. 

According to Shelton, discrimination affects people’s personal lives and the larger diaspora, like in the areas of housing, employment, education and financial services.

He asked the people in the audience and the Civil Rights League to continue fighting for human rights, but not to stop there.

“We’re involved in not just this national struggle, but what is truly an international struggle for civil rights and human rights for all in our country, including our Arab American brothers and sisters,” Shelton said.

The civil rights advocate praised the ACRL’s leaders, who received a standing ovation. As he commended them on “great work” in their four years of existence, Shelton reminded the audience that the ACRL faces similar challenges the 106-year-old NAACP continues to face.

“You’re moving in the way which you need to move,” he said. “To make sure America lives up to the promise and understanding that by that promise must come your demand— and that demand is exactly how you organize to address these issues today.”

He implored activists to fight discrimination in Washington and walk the halls of Congress.

The ARCL also presented the Courage in Public Service Leadership Award to the Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, president of the Detroit branch NAACP; and the Advancement in Humanities Leadership Award to Michael Ibrahim, founder, executive and music director of the Arab National Orchestra.

“We will continue to go forward regardless of who steps up, what barricades are placed in front of us,” Anthony said.