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Latest articlesHip-Hop Group Confronts Rise of Islamophobia in Music Video
Native Deen Releases New Song as Part of “My Faith My Voice” Campaign (Washington, D.C., 9/29/10) - Native Deen, one of the most well-known and respected Muslim hip-hop groups in the international community, today released a music video in response to the rising tide of Islamophobia facing America, especially in the wake of the New York Islamic cultural center controversy. The music video, released as part of the “My Faith My Voice” campaign from which it takes its title, highlights many of the concerns Muslims have regarding the vilification of Islam and the heavy-handed focus given to extremist voices. “As American Muslims, we feel like our voices have been drowned out by the extremists on both sides,” said Abdul Malik Ahmad, one of three young African-American Muslim men who comprise Native Deen. “People who claim to be Muslim but commit horrible acts of violence overshadow the vast majority of Muslims who are peaceful. On the other side, those who try to marginalize Muslims in society are equally outspoken in their divisive rhetoric.” “Native Deen has always called to the middle path, but moderate voices like ours don't make headline news. As musicians, we know the power of music and hope to reach out to our fellow Americans through this song.” In the opening verse, Ahmad sings: “They're saying we are savages, uncivilized/ Me, my community we work hard, / Every opportunity to break walls, / The fight, the lunacy that they cause, / Respect here to you and me, the same God./ Giving you the right facts, we keep repeating that/ Islam has been hijacked, we ain't like that,/ Then some lunatic goes on a rampage,/ Using violence and I'm outraged./ This is senseless, and its gruesome,/ Please don't let this, be a Muslim./ Awww maaan... We're all vilified,/ They're saying we are savages, uncivilized.” Later in the song, Ahmad adds: “Go use the same steam, for youth to stay clean,/ Our earth to stay green, we want the same thing,/ 'Stead of burning books, extinguish disease,/ Help spark the flame to help children in need.” WATCH THE VIDEO at www.myfaithmyvoice.com Native Deen, a fusion hip-hop group, has inspired millions of people of all ages and ethnicities from around the world. Native Deen has toured more than 60 cities in America, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, promoting Islam and positive interfaith relations. Over 4 million people have viewed its videos on YouTube, and its album, "Not Afraid to Stand Alone" is ranked #2 in the DC area on independent music site cdbaby.com. In October 2010, Native Deen will release its newest album, “The Remedy.” For more information, visit www.nativedeen.com. About My Faith My Voice My Faith My Voice (MFMV) is a grassroots effort by American Muslims to present the diverse voices and faces of its community. Through its website, www.myfaithmyvoice.com, MFMV offers American Muslims a platform to reach out and speak directly to America through video messages and online social media outreach. To date, the campaign has generated more than 200 messages from American Muslims and has received a great deal of media attention and public support. Media Contact: Israa Dawood at 202-439-1441 or myfaithmyvoice@gmail.com Video campaign invites American Muslims to share their normalcy One of the most interesting things about American Muslims appears to be their sports loyalties. That's what many have discussed in filming personal messages for an online campaign aimed at countering anti-Muslim rhetoric in the wake of controversy over a proposed Islamic center in New York City and mosque protests elsewhere. Several dozen videos have been posted so far. That's what many have discussed in filming personal messages for an online campaign aimed at countering anti-Muslim rhetoric in the wake of controversy over a proposed Islamic center in New York City and mosque protests elsewhere. Several dozen videos have been posted so far.The videos, which American Muslims are invited to record and upload onto the campaign's website, mostly follow a script: The speakers introduce themselves, give an "interesting fact" about themselves and then launch into a prewritten message about Islam's teachings. They say that Muslims do not want to impose their religion on others and should not be feared. Click here to read more. Muslim Americans Find Their Voice Amid The Shouts No one's really sure how many Americans are Muslim. The estimates range anywhere from 1 million to 7 million. But what's clear is that over the past few weeks and months, almost every poll that's been taken on Muslims has pointed to one conclusion: anti-Muslim sentiment is on the rise. The majority of Americans — including New Yorkers — oppose the construction of an Islamic cultural center near the former site of the World Trade Center. In towns across the country, the voices of those who don't want mosques built in their neighborhoods are growing louder. The open expressions of hostility have become so loud in recent months, that a coalition of Muslim groups is taking steps to remind people that American Muslims are Americans — the same as anyone else. This week, they launched an online video campaign called "My Faith, My Voice" — and the message is simple: "I'm an American. I'm a Muslim. This is my faith. This is my voice." To listen to the interview or read the transcript, click here. Muslims Defend Their American Values To listen to the interview or read the transcript, click here. 'My Faith, My Voice': Muslims Are Just Like Everyone Else If you are Muslim, how do you feel about the fear mongering against Muslims that appears to be increasing rapidly in today's media? Myfaithmyvoice.com posted this special PSA video which Gayle wants everyone to see. Some people just don't know any Muslims, which can add to the problem. Muslims are a major part of America, and they are just like everyone else.   Click here to read more.
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