(SEATTLE, WA 1/22/19) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Washington (CAIR-WA), just launched “Everyday Muslims” – a “Humans of New York”-style social media series showcasing the diverse stories of Muslims in Washington State. The series, which features photos of the storytellers next to their stories, reminds audiences that Muslims have always been a part of the fabric of the American story.
Studies show that 80% of media coverage of Muslims and Islam is negative. Everyday Muslims combats this by sharing stories about individual Muslims – portraying them not as villains, victims or model immigrants, but as the diverse and authentic population they are.
CAIR-WA’s Program and Outreach Coordinator and creator of Everyday Muslims Amina Ibrahim took inspiration from Everyday Africa and Humans of New York – hoping to change the narrative about American Muslims in the media.
“Growing up, I never saw people who looked like me in the media or stories that represented my Muslim identity. It’s important that we change the narrative and share accurate portrayals of American Muslims,” said Ibrahim. “My hope is that we can see a shift so when a young Muslim person looks at media they see a reflection of themselves and their religion.”
CAIR-WA’s Executive Director, Masih Fouladi, said a project like this is needed now more than ever.
“We’re coming up on the two-year anniversary of Trump’s racist Muslim Ban,” said Fouladi. “Campaigns like Everyday Muslims are so important because they push back on the current rhetoric coming from D.C. while establishing authentic narratives that local and national media can build upon."
The series will feature stories from Muslim comedians, entrepreneurs, students, business owners, and other Washingtonian Muslims .Though it’s set to run through the month of February, Ibrahim hopes the project becomes user-sustained – with social media users sharing their own #EverydayMuslims story.
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CAIR-WA Program and Outreach Coordinator, Amina Ibrahim, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.