Yesterday, history was made. The California State Assembly voted 79-0 to pass AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act, a groundbreaking bill that will finally bring visibility and equity to Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities across the state. Introduced by Assemblymember John Harabedian (AD-41, Pasadena), this bill marks a monumental step toward ensuring that California’s diverse MENA populations—Assyrian, Arab, Iranian, Amazigh, Somali, Sudanese, North African, Armenian, and many others—are seen, counted, and served in state data systems. For decades, MENA communities have been erased—lumped into “White” or “Other” categories on government forms, masking critical disparities in healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunity. AB 91 changes that. By establishing a MENA demographic category, California can now direct resources where they’re needed most—supporting MENA-owned businesses, expanding language access, and closing gaps in mental health, employment, and youth services.
A Victory Built by the Community
This win didn’t happen overnight. For two years, the CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition—a powerhouse alliance of 30+ MENA-led organizations—mobilized across the state, from Orange County to the Bay Area, demanding justice through the #CountMENAInCA campaign. Grassroots advocates, students, business owners, and allies showed up at hearings, shared their stories, and proved that data equity is a lifeline.
The evidence was undeniable:
✅ A 2024 MENA-led survey in Orange County exposed alarming unemployment rates and housing insecurity.
✅ Studies revealed disproportionate COVID-19 impacts on MENA subgroups, with no targeted relief.
✅ Families struggled to access services simply because the state didn’t recognize their existence.
This win didn’t happen overnight. For two years, the CA MENA Civil Rights Coalition—a powerhouse alliance of 30+ MENA-led organizations—mobilized across the state, from Orange County to the Bay Area, demanding justice through the #CountMENAInCA campaign. Grassroots advocates, students, business owners, and allies showed up at hearings, shared their stories, and proved that data equity is a lifeline.
AB 91 follows California’s legacy of data equity wins for African American, AANHPI, and Latine communities—proving that when we’re counted, we thrive.What’s Next? The Fight Continues.
While today’s unanimous Assembly vote is a triumph, the work isn’t done. AB 91 now moves to the Senate, where we need the same overwhelming support to send it to the Governor’s desk.
We call on every Californian who believes in fairness to stand with us:
➡️ Contact your State Senator—urge them to vote YES on AB 91.
➡️ Amplify #CountMENAInCA—share why this bill matters.
➡️ Stay engaged—follow the Coalition for updates.
California has a chance to set a national precedent. Let’s make sure MENA communities are no longer invisible, but recognized, invested in, and empowered.
Core Coalition Members:
- Arab American Civic Council
- Armenian American Action Network
- National Iranian American Council
- Council on American-Islamic Relations
- Somali Family Service
- Access California Services
- National Network of Arab American Communities
- Majdal Center of San Diego
- American-Arab Antidiscrimination Committee
- Arab Community and Cultural Center of San Francisco Bay Area
- Catalyst California
