Who We Are
We are a grassroots, interfaith initiative to collect and share stories from our Muslim American neighbors |
Getting to Know Our Muslim Neighbors collects and shares stories of Muslim American experience through photography and narrative. This project began in Lafayette, Indiana as part of a larger outreach initiative in which a group of Purdue graduate students began giving presentations at local churches about their experiences as Muslim Americans with the goal of create a safe space to ask questions and create a network of support. It is our belief that getting to know our Muslim neighbors is the first step in dismantling the new wave of Islamophobia present in our country.
Read Ken Chitwood's article, A Radical Response to Islamophobia. So who are our Muslim neighbors? Muslim American communities are diverse with regard to race, cultural background, length of residence, education, and faith journey. These communities include individuals who immigrated from countries across the world, first generation Americans, and those whose families have been in America for generations. Muslim Americans are as diverse as America as a whole this diversity epitomizes the Muslim American experience. This project collects stories of day to day life and what it was like growing up Muslim in America. Many of the individuals participating are intentionally connecting with other Muslims who are at once similar and different in order to figure out how to be spiritual together within a uniquely American context. It is not a utopia; there are racial issues, and tensions between different practices of Islam. We do not seek to present a unified portrait of Muslims in America, but demonstrate a range of voices and often untold stories. The common thread is that all these individuals self-identify as Muslim as well as American. These are some of their stories.
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We love new projects!
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Are you interested in bringing the Muslim Neighbors initiative to your neighborhood? We are always looking for new places to exhibit and begin new projects. Contact Ruth to get started!
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