Today, I Am a Muslim Too

March 6^th, 2011, the Sunday before the start of the controversial congressional hearing on the radicalization of American Muslims, Americans of different faiths and race gathered in Times Square, NYC to demonstrate and oppose the planned hearings that single out and demonize the Muslim community. The rally was entitled “Today, I Am a Muslim Too”, and signified that Americans, whether Muslim or not, will stand with the Muslims to defend their rights as Americans.

The rally became a social campaign with the help of figures such as Russell Simmons, a key player in the promotion of the rally. Mr. Simmons, a hip-hop celebrity, advocated the cause of “Today, I Am a Muslim Too” to his celebrity circle, and his close to 1 million followers on Facebook and Twitter. Eventually stars such as P. Diddy, Susan Surandon, Kim Kardashian, Jim Jones, Heather Graham, and Q-Tip also advocated for the rally with Mr. Simmons.

At the rally hundreds of people came out, even though the day was full of rain. Around 100 diverse organizations and groups sponsored the event, and many leaders came and spoke at the rally including imams, rabbis, priests, activists, and celebrities. Among them were Imam Shamsi Ali, Imam Ashrafuz Zaman Khan, Rabbi Marc Schneier, Russell Simmons and Andre Carson.