Over the years, Black, African, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (BAMEMSA) movements have grown their community power through base building and civic engagement. Today, decades-old progress is at risk along with the democratic values we hold dear. Across the country, BAMEMSA communities are experiencing a massive surge of anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and anti-Muslim hate, intimidation, censorship, and government suppression designed to crack down on civic participation by punishing speech and protests critical of U.S. policies that have allowed the devastating siege and bombardment of Gaza to continue – including introduction of a new federal anti-protest bill and several state laws (including Arizona) in response to recent protests for Palestinian human rights. Speakers from Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities --- communities that already experience historical barriers to civic participation – will share how they are confronting the current atmosphere of fear, censorship, and disillusionment and how the government’s suppressive actions will have a profound impact on our democratic institutions, including the upcoming election. Panelists will share how they’re continuing to build community, political, and cultural power in the face of suppression; what’s at stake for those committed to civic and democratic participation; and how philanthropy and partners can show up in this moment to nurture and protect an engaged, inclusive, just, multi-racial democracy.