Published Tuesday 8 November 2022 at 8:00
Islamophobia Awareness Month takes place this November and aims to highlight the positive contributions of Muslims as well as raise awareness of Islamophobia in society.
The campaign is now in its tenth year and was founded in 2012 by a group of Muslim organisations.
This year’s theme for Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is Tackling Denial. There are events and activities throughout the month in the hope that awareness is built to then see the change in 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 is not always as direct as hate crime. It can be unconscious, latent, hidden and in some cases pervasive.
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Suleman Khonat, said:
It gives me great pride to serve our borough as a Muslim Mayor. Islamophobia does exist, there is no denying that. However, there is no room for hate.
Muslims play a huge role in society and their daily contributions cannot be ignored. I stand against any form of discrimination and hope that Islamophobia Awareness Month can raise the awareness that is needed.
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.
Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
We are proud of our diverse borough. Muslims contribute so much in not only Blackburn with Darwen but also the whole of the UK.
Islamophobia Awareness Month is an important campaign where we can continue to recognise the contributions of our colleagues and neighbours but also understand the prejudices they often face.
For more information on Islamophobia Awareness Month visit: https://www.islamophobia-awareness.org/