(ATLANTA, GA – 8/17/16) – The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today announced the start of an outreach initiative designed to reduce Islamophobia by educating political activists, particularly conservatives, about mainstream Muslim beliefs and practices.
“During the 2000 presidential election, many American Muslims voted for George W. Bush,” said CAIR-GA Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell. “However, the rise of violent extremism overseas, as well as Islamophobia here at home, has led some conservatives to fear and even loathe their neighbors. Georgia Muslims—who love God, family, and country as much as any other American—hope to put those fears to bed by addressing them head-on at their source.”
CAIR-GA plans to contact both progressive and conservative groups across the state, including Republican Party chapters and Tea Party-affiliated organizations. CAIR-GA is offering to meet with each group’s members, deliver an educational “Islam 101” presentation, and answer questions about hot topics such as terrorism.
“Georgia Muslims look forward to meeting, greeting and dialoguing with various political groups, including Republican and Tea Party-affiliated activists,” Mitchell said. “We’re willing to answer any and all questions about Islam and American Muslims, whether those questions are tame or critical.”
Mitchell, who regularly delivers Islam 101 lectures to church groups and mosque visitors on behalf of CAIR-GA and the Islamic Community Center of Atlanta, recently sat for a joint WABE interview with a local Tea Party leader in which the two men discussed the “unexpected friendship” that developed after they engaged in interfaith dialogue.
Unexpected Friendship: Tea Party Leader Joins CAIR-GA for Joint NPR Interview
Political, social and religious organizations interested in scheduling a visit with CAIR-GA may email [email protected] or call 404-285-9530.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
CONTACT: CAIR-GA Executive Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell; 404-285-9530; [email protected]