Team Rahim

BIG announcement, Team Surratt has received the endorsement of the Working Families Party. We embrace the mission of the WFP, "is a grassroots, progressive, and multiracial political organization aimed at building a political home for working-class people to challenge the political establishment, tackle corporate influence, and fight for economic, racial, and social justice. They aim to elect progressive champions who support universal healthcare, worker rights, and community investment."

ENDORSED — I’m proud to announce that my campaign for COMMON COUNCILOR AT LARGE received the endorsement of the Working Families Party!! NYWFP is a grassroots political organization dedicated to building a New York that works for working people.

“The Working Families Party has long led the fight for affordable housing, immigrant protections, and an economy that works for everyday families. I’m proud to earn their endorsement, as it reflects the heart of my campaign for Common Council at Large: a neighborhood-first platform rooted in responsible budgeting, housing stability, and sound infrastructure, protecting our most vulnerable community neighbors, while ensuring public dollars and policy deliver public good,” said Cjala Surratt.

NYWFP leaders cited Cjala Surratt’s commitment to delivering a home New Yorkers can afford, expanding access to childcare, lowering healthcare costs, and defending immigrant communities from federal attacks.

June 23 Primary Election will be a critical opportunity to elect leaders who are prepared to fight for working people and deliver bold, permanent solutions to the affordability crisis. —

Ramadan Mubarak! I’m embarking on this beautiful month of reflection and fasting, but I’m also issuing a high-level Grace Period Warning.

​For the first week, please treat me like a software update that’s stuck at 99%:
​Do not make sudden movements.
​Do not ask me "how it's going" while the sun is up.
​Do assume every sigh I make is a silent prayer for a cheeseburger.

​I’m currently 5% spirituality and 95% "Is it sunset yet?" so if I’m a bit grumpy, just know it’s the caffeine withdrawal talking. By week three, I’ll be a peaceful, enlightened saint, but until then, may your patience be as long as these fasts! 😂

Congratulations Cjala Surratt for getting the endorsement of the Onondaga County Democratic Committee.

⚪️🔵ENDORSED DEMOCRATIC PARTY | COMMON COUNCILOR AT LARGE | Thank you Onondaga County Democratic Committee voters!! Thank you for picking up the phone, returning my calls and taking the time to engage. Those conversations remind me of why I’m running for Common Councilor-At-Large. I’m grateful not only for your engagement as individuals, but for the way you show up as representatives of your districts and the voters you serve.
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❄️🥶TEAM SURRATT is ready to kick off petitioning on February 24th with gloves, boots, and at least two pairs of snow pants if we have to! I’ve promised my team unlimited cups of hot chocolate to keep spirits high and hands warm.

I’m looking forward to continuing this campaign through petitioning, the Primary, and beyond. I’m honored to have your support and excited to keep talking and working with you in the months ahead!

Standing on the field of an open-air baseball stadium in El Paso, Texas, I realized that "stage fright" takes on a whole new meaning when your voice is echoing through a professional PA system in front of thousands.

​I’ll be honest: I was terrified. ​My heart was pounding against my ribs. I was sweating, shaking, and at one point, I completely lost my place in my notes. But as I looked out at the graduates, predominantly Mexican Americans, many the first in their families to cross that finish line, the energy of the crowd changed everything.

​The roar of families cheering for their loved ones brought a sudden, sharp clarity. I stopped looking at my notes and started speaking from the soul.

​I shared my journey as a refugee from Cambodia. I spoke about the pain, the sadness, and the ultimate joy of finding purpose. Despite our different backgrounds, our stories converged in that stadium:

The resilience of the first-generation experience. ​

The power of the community in overcoming adversity. ​

The shared drive to build a better future.

That purpose is what brought me to that stage, not just to give a speech, but to celebrate the grit, determination and hard work of the Southwest University at El Paso class of 2018.

​The Video:
While I don't have the footage of the full speech, we captured this short motivational video earlier that afternoon. It’s dedicated to the entrepreneurs and business students who are ready to take their first swing at the professional world.

​To the dreamers and the doers: keep swinging for the fences.

​

Emad Rahim Southwest University Motivation for Graduates Dr. Emad Rahim served as the 2017 commencement speaker for Southwest University, in El Paso TX. Quick motivation off the cuff ...

48 years on this planet and I’m just getting started! (And yes, I’m still the 'young' one compared to Cjala Surratt!) My heart is overflowing today reflecting on the incredible tribe of family and friends who keep me grounded and inspired. We’ve all walked through the fire, but I’m choosing to focus on the light. Life is a masterpiece when you’ve got real ones to share the canvas with. Thank you for the love and the brotherhood/sisterhood.

​BIG MOVES ALERT: I’m celebrating this trip around the sun by dropping my brand new book and website! The hustle never stops. Let’s get it!

Dr. Emad Rahim Home - Dr. Emad Rahim is more than a speaker or strategist. He’s a survivor turned educator, a streetwise scholar, and a trusted voice in resilience, equity, and leadership. Through story and strategy, he equips people and institutions to lead with truth, purpose, and impact.

It has been a true honor and privilege to serve on the UMEA Board of Directors for the past four years.

​I look back with immense pride at the work we accomplished together, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to support our local businesses and entrepreneurs.

​Under the dedicated leadership of Sheena Solomon and Jamar Clarke, along with the commitment of the current board members, I know the Upstate Minority Economic Alliance (UMEA) here in Syracuse is positioned for even greater things. The future is bright!.

​Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this vital mission.