President Barack Obama nominated Abid Riaz Qureshi to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia according to a statement from the White House. This makes Qureshi the first federal Muslim-Amercan judge in the country. 

“I am pleased to nominate Mr. Qureshi to serve on the United States District Court bench,” said President Obama. “I am confident he will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Why is this a first in the year 2016? It’s a shame. And it deserves celebrating given the completely unfair persecution that Muslim-Americans have experienced in this country especially following the acts of terror on 9-11 (2001).

“The nomination of Abid Qureshi to fill a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia sends a message of inclusion that is welcomed by the American Muslim community and by all Americans who value diversity and mutual respect at a time when some seek division and discord,” said Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, according to the New York Times.