In honor of black history month, the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) and its community initiative Noor Gardens showed us a different aspect of the hardships faced by African Americans.
Amir Muhammad, director of America’s Islamic heritage Museum was invited to speak to Londoners at the Forgotten Roots event at Wolfe performance hall. The event served to directly challenge the present day narrative that Islam is foreign to North America.
Amir says that the conqueror always tells his side of the story.
“It’s all bigotry and ignorance stopping our history from being taught. It’s important for us, the conquered, to be able to tell our side of the story. It’s very long, very rich, and very factual. Our history needs to be discussed.”
Amir has spoken in several countries such as Nigeria and Qatar; he is often used by the state department to demonstrate how Muslims have engaged in American society.
He adds that he hopes his message changes the community for the better.
“I want to show people that Islam is nothing new and that we’ve been a part of the western hemisphere for centuries. At the same time, I hope people realize we are all family; we’re all human no matter what color, creed or religion. That is the common denominator. “
After London, Amir is invited to speak in several states including Michigan and North Carolina.
This is one of the many events on schedule for Noor Gardens and MAC this year.
