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CAIR Peace and Unity Campaign
Welcome.
The Houston, Texas Chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations
(CAIR-TX, Houston) is pleased to announce the launching of our “Peace
and Unity Billboard Campaign”. This campaign has several purposes:
Why?
This
campaign is a response to increased anti-Muslim sentiment or
Islamophobia resulting in an increase in civil rights complaints from
Muslims, increased hate speech and anti-Muslim rhetoric that is fueling
a higher potential for violence that recently included two local
Mosques targeted by arsonists in the Greater Houston area.
What's the goal of this campaign?
The
campaign is intended to encourage unity, to decrease polarity, and to
highlight the contributions of American Muslims as productive,
patriotic, “normal” citizens who make enormous contributions to our
society. American Muslims embrace diversity, and have been an integral
part of American Society for well over 200 years.
We need to
change the vitriolic narrative of hate and intolerance that has become
prevalent in discourse regarding Islam and Muslims in America. Working
with people of all faiths, our coalition partners, and other Muslim
organizations the Council on American Islamic Relations aims to help
dispel stereotypes and misinformation in order to humanize American
Muslims, to decrease Islamophobia, and stop the targeting of Muslims in
hate related incidents that has steadily increased in the United States
after the tragedy of 9/11. It is our sincere hope that this
initiative will encourage more peace and increased unity among all
Americans.
Who are the people on the billboard?
Featured
in one of the billboards is a doctor, army service member, social
worker, civil rights worker, and former Houston City Council member.
Another billboard highlights the features a Christian Minister, a
Muslim Imam (religious leader), and Jewish Rabbi that illustrates the
interfaith relationships we must continue to build as a community.
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