CHICAGO (Diya TV) — Progressive organization SACRED Acts held its annual fundraiser on November 10 at Soho House Chicago. The event honored Illinois lawmakers, recognized human rights advocates, and featured a musical performance. About 75 people attended the gathering, which focused on strengthening progressive South Asian American leadership at a time of changing immigration policies..
Rep. Delia Ramirez, the first Latina congresswoman from the Midwest, joined the program to honor Rep. Jan Schakowsky for her long record of supporting human rights in South Asia. Ramirez praised Schakowsky’s leadership and described her as a model of integrity and courage. She thanked Schakowsky for mentoring the next generation of leaders and said the congresswoman had helped many emerging public servants prepare to take on future roles.
Schakowsky, who will retire at the end of this term, expressed her gratitude for Ramirez’s support. She called Ramirez a fearless leader and said she hopes the congresswoman will continue her legacy in Congress. Schakowsky said she is confident Ramirez will “fight the fight that needs to be fought” on behalf of communities across Chicago and the nation.
Cyrus Rab, co-founder of SACRED Acts, presented the Mirza Masood Rab Leadership in Human Rights Award to Schakowsky in honor of his father. He also shared a message from Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Ellison praised Schakowsky as a mentor and ally who worked tirelessly to improve life for people in Chicagoland and across the country.
Schakowsky then joined Rab in a conversation about global and American democracy. She reflected on the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City and said she was proud to see him win. Schakowsky described Mamdani as a strong and inspiring leader whose victory signals meaningful political change.
SACRED Acts Board Chair Sufyan Sohel presented the SACRED Acts Advocacy Award to Neha Gill, the executive director and CEO of Apna Ghar. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate fearless advocacy, often while facing personal or professional risk. Sohel praised Gill for her leadership in Illinois and abroad, noting her commitment to supporting survivors and advancing women’s rights.
During a Q&A session, Gill spoke about how Apna Ghar and SACRED Acts can strengthen their partnership. She emphasized the importance of addressing interconnected issues and said both organizations share a commitment to intersectional advocacy. Gill said she sees that mission in action every day and believes collaboration is essential in the current political climate.
The evening concluded with a performance by SANGAT, a new collaboration between Afghan American rabab player Qais Essar and Indian American Sikh trumpet player and vocalist Sonny Singh. Their music blended the ancient sounds of the Afghan rabab with bold brass tones and uplifting Punjabi vocals. The duo grounded their performance in mystical Sikh, Sufi, and radical bhakti poetry.
With funding from the Open Society Foundation, the organizers said they hope to build on the momentum from the event and continue supporting leaders who advance human rights, democracy, and justice.
