OKLAHOMA CITY – A leading American Muslim civil right group has launched a new campaign to challenge Islamophobia by providing a platform for American people to come closer and share stories.
The campaign, launched by the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), was suggested to allow opportunities for American Muslims to tell their stories with a focus on what makes them uniquely American and uniquely Muslim.
“#TheMuslimNextDoor is all about American Muslims telling the stories of who they are by sharing a unique aspect of their life,” according to their LaunchGood campaign.
“We’re telling our stories by highlighting things we care about – everything from sports to state pride to our careers.”
The campaign includes photo shoots, a video series, a website and even billboards placed throughout Oklahoma, all showcasing and telling the stories of American Muslims in the community, as well as public forums where people can get to know their Muslim neighbors in person.
The first photo shoot was in March at the Oklahoma City Myriad Botanical Gardens. In addition to sports fans, students and families, it also featured Muslim professionals in healthcare, law and education; a coffee addict and a smiling young boy with special needs – most with a graphic that reads: ‘Okie since’ and a year.
“This campaign will change the perception of Muslims in America one social media post, YouTube share, billboard and forum at a time,” according to their LaunchGood campaign.
The organization is now crowdfunding $25,000 to help finance #TheMuslimNextDoor.