Former Campaign Aide Now Running His Own Race

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Hyattsville

 

Talib Karim is knocking on doors.

A lot of them.

Karim comes from a line of advocates and is now running himself, for Hyattsville city council-Ward 1.

His father, Dr. Talib Karim Muhammad was one of the first American Muslims elected to the Memphis City council in 1996. This district was created following Dr. Muhammad's successful voting rights lawsuit against the City of Memphis' election system.  In 1988, Dr. Talib Karim Muhammad filed a class-action suit in Memphis challenging at-large city-wide seats on the council. This gave access to African Americans who, Muhammad and other critics charged, were historically prevented from their proper share of representation. The lawsuit was incorporated in the Justice Department's action.


After living in DC, Karim and his wife (also a lawyer) and their three children moved to Hyattsville, four years ago. They have been active in their neighborhood with cleanups, inviting neighbors into their home, doing what neighbors are supposed to in the Prophetic tradition. "I recently introduced two neighbors to each other who had lived next to each other for 6 years but had never spoken to each other," says Karim. As a city council man he hopes to increase activities designed to bring residents of Hyattsville together to foster a greater sense of community, increase public safety, and inspire a spirit of neighborliness.


Being a Muslim naturally gives him an advantage as a candidate, he says. "My day starts early after morning prayers and I use that time to put up yard signs and catch neighbors as they leave to drop their children off to school," he explains. Islamic work ethics make him a diligent and resourceful candidate.

When Candace Cullingham asked Karim to help her in her re-election campaign, Karim gave her a tongue in cheek answer. "You run for mayor and I'll run for your position." Several others had approached Cullingham to run for mayor and she went for it. Now she is running uncontested for the mayor of Hyattsville. Karim is a contender for her empty spot on the city council.


"We need a systematic change in this country to address economic stratification," says Karim when asked about residents concerns about the effects of gentrification in the city. Everyone, rich and poor, deserves to live in neighborhoods that are clean and safe with good schools and decent city services. Hyattsville is am economically diverse community.


Karim plans on pushing for increased city services such as improved parking, new parks, and additional retail outlets, particularly along Route 1. "These services could be funded through attracting tech businesses to a Hyattsville "Innovation District" to complement our city's 'Arts District,'"he explains to supporters.


His son attends the local high school. Education is a big issue for Karim and the residents of Hyattsville, as decisions for local schools are made by officials situated far away and are not always the best for the residents. Central county government also controls education tax dollars.


He hopes to urge the city to invest more in STEM/STEAM education programs to equip local children with skills to prepare them for jobs in the nation's science and tech driven economy. Allowing training from K-12 and beyond for residents, and tapping into tech resources and coupling that with a tech corridor for Route 1 will help alleviate many problems in the area.


An active Facebook page with nearly 230 likes keeps him connected to his future constituents. The election is on May 5, 2015.


"Over that time I've worked to build bonds with my neighbors through community cleanups, neighborhood discussions, and gatherings to bring neighbors together.  "In addition, I helped judge science projects at Hyattsville Elementary STEM fair. I've also had numerous discussions with city leaders and neighbors about strategies for developing vacant properties along Route 1," he adds.

Karim is an active member of the area's Muslim community for years.  A former contributor to the Muslim Link newspaper, and a member of the Prince George's County Muslim Council, a political organization for Muslims living in the County.  In DC, he founded and was the Chairman of the Muslim Democratic Caucus.

He helped launch an organization "dedicated to highlighting the many positive accomplishments of Muslims locally and nationally", the Academy of Muslim Achievement.  An awards program called the Golden Minaret Awards the "Muslim Oscars" – is held annually by the Academy.

Karim has 35 years experience helping others run for office. He has served as campaign manager, adviser, counsel and aide to many campaigns, including former Mayor Vince Gray. This is the first time he is running for office and the first time he is running his own campaign.


To get involved in his team, contact talib@karimforcitycouncil.org or text at 202-256-0499.

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