In a recent survey by Pew Forum, participants were asked to rate a variety of religious groups on a "feeling thermometer" ranging from 0 to 100. The results show that, despite slow progress and an overall "chillier" perception of Muslims than of other faith groups, Americans' views about Muslims are growing "warmer" compared to a few years ago. Read more (Pew Forum) ...
Mahershala Ali becomes First Muslim to Win an Acting Oscar
On Sunday, February 26, 2017, at the 89th Academy Awards, Mahershala Ali became the first Muslim to win an Oscar for acting. Ali was awarded the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film Moonlight, which also won for Best Picture. During a recent interview, Ali described how he converted to Islam after a visit to a mosque in 1999, saying, "I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. I felt really grounded at that time, and so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the ...
New Photo Exhibition Explores Muslim Life in New York City
Muslim in New York is a new photography exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY), which aims to capture and celebrate the New York Muslim community. Featuring 34 images by four photographers who have documented Muslim New Yorkers from the mid-20th to the early 21st centuries, the exhibition showcases the vital role Muslims have played and continue to play in the life of the city. The exhibition runs through July 30, 2017. Read more (Newsweek) ...
Muslim Community Raises Thousands to Help Repair Vandalized Jewish Cemetery
After a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis was vandalized, the local Muslim community stepped up, starting an online fundraiser to collect money for needed repairs. Within only a few hours of its launch, the page exceeded its goal of $20,000 and, at the time of this writing, has raised over $85,000. According to one of the campaign organizers, raising money to help the Jewish community rebuild after such a hateful attack "is a great way to show respect and honor for our Jewish cousins." Read more ...
“To Islam, with Love”
More than 150 adults and children showed up to take part in "To Islam, with Love," an interfaith event in which attendees made Valentine's Day cards for their Muslim friends and neighbors to send the message that Muslims are a welcome part of the community. The handmade cards will be delivered to the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury around Valentine's Day. According Lisa Ballew, whose two children took part in the event, "I don't think they're ever too young to teach empathy ...
