On August 14, Muslim students from across NYC held a press conference to make their voices heard about Islamophobia. One WESPAC volunteer went to this event to show support and to connect with the organizers of the event. Now we want to highlight the words and courageous actions of these students.
Muslim Youth Speak Out!
From the press release:
August 14, 2013
Today, on August 14th, Muslim students from across NYC will be holding a press conference to make their voices heard about Islamophobia and how it impacts young people. According to Ahlam Almoflihi, one of the organizers: “We are here because Islamophobia has been a big issue for us. We want our voices heard, not the distorted views of us we see too often in the media.”
Namia Sulaiman, a high school student and another one of the organizers, said that Muslim youth experience Islamophobia in many ways, including at school. “We want our school cultures to be respectful of who we are and not promote stereotypes, and they should not ignore bullying when it happens,” Sulaiman said.
“We are going to share our own stories and experiences,” said another organizer, Shaba Ahmed, who emphasized that young people are being affected by Islamophobia on a regular basis. “I was getting on the subway when my metro card wasn’t working. I asked an MTA employee to let me in, and he said, you’re Muslim why should I help you?”
The students are calling for their voices to be heard and to be treated with the dignity they deserve.
The press conference, organized by Muslim youth, is sponsored by the Muslim Consultative Network’s summer youth program, MY NYC In Action, and was held on the steps of City Hall at 11 AM.
