Published Monday 1 November 2021 at 15:51
Islamophobia Awareness Month takes place this November and aims to highlight the threat of Islamophobic hate crimes and showcase the positive contributions that British Muslims make to society.
Blackburn with Darwen takes pride in its diversity and our Muslim community are a vital part of that.
Islamophobia is a prejudice, aversion, hostility, or hatred towards Muslims. Discrimination isn’t always as direct as hate crime. It can be unconscious, latent, hidden and in some cases pervasive.
Studies show that the majority of references to Muslims in the British press are negative, and this taints the prism though which some people view the whole community.
This year’s theme for Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is Time for Change. There are events and activities throughout the month in the hope that awareness is built to then see the change in society.
After Christians, Muslims are the largest faith group in the UK and have the youngest profile of all religious groups.
According to the 2011 census, 27.0% of Blackburn with Darwen’s population identified as Muslims. The Blackburn with Darwen rate was the third highest in England and Wales.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan is a Muslim who came to the UK in the 1960s, he said:
Islamophobia awareness challenges each one of us to look at our own behaviour, and to question our own views.
The contributions of Muslims cannot be ignored, from doctors, nurses, business owners to politicians, I hope that by talking about it, it will help break down barriers and challenge stereotypes whilst showing our communities that we stand alongside them against all forms of hate.
I am really pleased to see the council supporting Islamophobia Awareness Month.
The Council will also show their backing for IAM by producing a series of videos to highlight important contributions from our Muslim community.
For more information on Islamophobia Awareness Month visit:
https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org/