Keith Ellison Quotes
- Politician
- 1963
Keith Ellison is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Ellison is also the first African Ame…Read More
Keith Ellison is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Ellison is also the first African American to have been elected to the House of Representatives from Minnesota. He is a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a Chief Deputy Whip. He is the author of the book My Country ‘Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future, which focuses on his faith, family, and the future of the United States.Read Less
Keith Ellison is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the U.S. Representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2007. He is a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and the first Muslim to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Ellison is also the first African American to have been elected to the House of Representatives from Minnesota. He is a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a Chief Deputy Whip. He is the author of the book My Country ‘Tis of Thee: My Faith, My Family, Our Future, which focuses on his faith, family, and the future of the United States.
Keith Ellison Career Highlights
- Ellison was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and attended Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School.
- In 1998, Ellison was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives, becoming the first Muslim to be elected to a state legislature in the United States.
- In 2006, Ellison ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and won, becoming the first Muslim to be elected to Congress.
- During his time in Congress, Ellison served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Financial Services Committee. He also co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus.
- In 2017, Ellison announced his candidacy for Chair of the Democratic National Committee and was elected as Deputy Chair, making him the first Muslim to hold a leadership position within the DNC.
- In 2018, Ellison ran for Attorney General of Minnesota and won, becoming the first Muslim to be elected to a statewide office in the United States.
Key Contributions by Keith Ellison
- Ellison has been a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice throughout his career. He has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and has worked to address issues of police brutality and systemic racism.
- As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Ellison played a key role in passing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
- Ellison has also been a strong advocate for workers’ rights and has fought for a higher minimum wage, paid sick leave, and fair labor practices.
- In Congress, Ellison introduced the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which aimed to protect students from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- As Deputy Chair of the DNC, Ellison has worked to increase diversity and inclusivity within the party and has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s policies.
What Sets Keith Ellison Apart
- Ellison’s background as a Muslim and his commitment to social justice and civil rights sets him apart from many other politicians. He has been a strong voice for marginalized communities and has used his platform to advocate for their rights.
- Ellison’s ability to bridge the gap between different communities and bring people together has been a key factor in his success. He has been able to build coalitions and work with people from diverse backgrounds to achieve common goals.
- Ellison’s personal experiences, including growing up in a working-class family and facing discrimination as a Muslim, have shaped his political views and have made him a relatable and empathetic leader.
Takeaways
- Keith Ellison’s career highlights and key contributions demonstrate his commitment to fighting for social justice and equality for all.
- His ability to bring people together and his dedication to building a more inclusive society make him a valuable leader in the Democratic Party.
- Ellison’s personal experiences and background make him a unique and influential figure in American politics, and his contributions have paved the way for other marginalized communities to have a voice in government.