For too long, U.S. Muslim children have faced bullying for our faith.
So we’re empowering Muslim youth to feel confident and proud of our identities in the face of Islamophobia and discrimination.
Muslims have been assaulted for wearing hijab, called a terrorist because of our faith, and discriminated against for the color of our skin. Islamophobia and white supremacy hurts all Muslims, especially young people, Black people, people of color, and immigrants.
We’re celebrating and creating unity. Teaching each other to be unashamed even in the face of white supremacy and Islamophobia.
The #MyMuslimFuture campaign is raising awareness about the discrimination and bullying that Muslim youth face in America, and combating it with love and pride.
We worked with Ellie Illustrates to bring to life a positive picture of what Muslim youth can and will be in their futures. Children at bus stops across New York City will see life-size posters of Muslims like them in full color achieving their dreams. Just imagine that. #MyMuslimFuture
Where can I find the illustrations?
STEINWAY ST, BETWEEN DITMARS & 23 AV (Astoria, Queens)
82ND ST, BETWEEN GR CENTRAL & ASTORIA BLVD (East Elmhurst, Queens)
JAMAICA AV, BETWEEN 132 ST & 131 ST (Richmond Hill, Queens)
MCDONALD AV, BETWEEN CHURCH AV & ALBEMARLE (Kensington, Brooklyn)
PELHAM PKWY, @ WHITE PLAINS RD (Pelham Parkway, Bronx)
We’re done with the relentless Islamophobia that hits hardest at young people and people of color. Our vision and our faith are beautiful. And we, like all people, deserve respect.
Respect
Each of us should be able to live our lives and celebrate our Muslim faith with respect and dignity.
Faith
We love being Muslim. Each of us, whatever our religion, should be able to live our lives, celebrate our faith, and be treated with respect.
Empowerment
We’re empowering Muslim youth to feel confident and proud of our identities in the face of discrimination.
Resources
What is Islamophobia?
Learn more from the Youth Coalition on Combatting Islamophobia.
Is there a guide on countering and dismantling Islamophobia?
Check out this resource by the Institute of Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU).
How are Muslim youth affected?
View this video by Yaqeen Institute on how Muslim youth are impacted by internalized Islamophobia.
How do I report instances of anti-Muslim bullying?
No Muslim youth should ever be bullied or ostracized because of their faith. For New York residents, please report instances of anti-Muslim bullying to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) - New York here. For residents outside of New York, please contact your nearest CAIR chapter (list of chapters here).
How do I talk to my children about Islamophobia and hate-based violence?
Use this resource from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), with age-specific guidelines on how to discuss Islamophobia and hate-based violence with your children.
Download the free printable coloring sheets by Ellie!
Courtesy of Ellie Illustrates, feel free to print out these coloring sheets for your children.
Statistics
42% of Muslim families report that their children have been bullied because of their Islamic faith.
Students and school officials are the most responsible for Islamophobic bullying.
¼ of Islamophobic bullying involves a teacher.
Source: Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)
Get in touch.
We want to hear from U.S. Muslims what future they envision for themselves, or hope for the coming generation. Let us know what #MyMuslimFuture means to you here:
