A Short History

The Coalition for Good Government (CGG), currently known as the American Coalition for Good Government (ACGG) was established in 1997 after a landmark address by Imam W. Deen Mohammed, on community responsibility. The event took place in Charlotte, North Carolina and was well attended by Muslim elected officials and political leaders, who were, at that time, members of the Muslim American Society under the leadership of Imam Mohammed. Imam Mohammed outlined a blueprint for political involvement and emphasized the importance of representative government and the obligation we have as Muslims, to shoulder our public responsibility.

ACGG established eight regions nationally and executed numerous political support activities assisting councilpersons, state representatives, governors, congressional and presidential aspirants through our ACGG national network.

In 2000, ACGG initiated a national presidential survey and voter registration drive in order to encourage greater participation from the Muslim American community. ACGG has the largest number of elected and appointed officials of any Muslim community in America.

In 1997, Imam Mohammed traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina, to meet with Muslim elected and appointed officials as well as Muslim leaders to discuss the importance of civic engagement for Muslims in America. The American Coalition for Good Government was formed and has been a vital part in Muslims community life ever since.

The world took special note of Imam Mohammed on February 26, 1975 when he was unanimously voted in as leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a quasi-Islamic community that promoted Black Nationalism, self-help “Do for Self”, while adorned with Islamic terms and Muslim etiquettes. As the new leader of the NOI Imam Mohammed ushered in a new era of Islamic teachings that were in accord with the Holy Qur’an and the universal message of brotherhood as taught by Prophet Muhammed of Arabia. Early in his leadership, Imam Mohammed stressed the importance of civic engagement and urging Muslims to seek elective office and serve in government. There are now Muslims in the United States Congress, serving as mayors, elected officials at the state and local levels, judges, and in positions in the federal, state and local government as well as the United States military.