As this year comes to a close, we are all certainly deeply and fundamentally changed - subtly and radically different than who we were on Jan 1. We have lived through an attempted insurrection/political coup, natural disasters, racial violence (both locally and nationally) – and these are just the major headlines. In the midst of this all, we have experienced personal and often hidden crises and traumas. We have experienced deaths, disappointments, pain and of course, the exhausting toll of the COVID-19 pandemic. 800,000 Americans have died, and this number includes those loved ones whose presence we continue to grieve in large and small ways. A new variant Omicron is now sweeping across the country as we grapple with the reality of crushing student loan debt, appalling conditions of workers, and a healthcare system groaning under the weight of systemic disparity. This gathering is for those who desire a place to ponder, a place to sigh, a place to weep, a place to rejoice. A place simply - to be. For those who celebrate, December 30 is also the fifth day of Kwanzaa. This day represents the principle Nia, or purpose. So we will also create space for contemplation - of the year we’ve had and hopes for the year to come.
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
"Should I take the COVID-19 Vaccine?"
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
What does the spread of the Coronavirus mean for Black Muslim communities?
Black Muslims comprise 20-25% of the overall Muslim population in the United States and reside in every region of the country. However in cities like Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago and NYC there are large concentrations of this population. Tragically the cities named above are experiencing disproportionate rates of Black Americans infected and dying due to the Coronavirus. For example, Philadelphia, home to approximately 200,000+ Black Muslims is projected [as of April 10, 2020] to be the next major “hotspot” or epicenter of the deadly disease. To address the need for effective planning, preparedness, and organizing during this global pandemic within Black Muslim communities, the Muslim Wellness Foundation (MWF) and Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative (MuslimARC) launched the National Black Muslim COVID Coalition (National BMCC) on March 23, 2020.
Data related to racial disparities in numbers of reported positive COVID-19 cases and fatalities paint a grim picture. Black/African-Americans, including Black Muslims, are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 crisis due to several specific factors, including:
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food insecurity in rural and urban areas
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health disparities and inadequate access to quality healthcare due to racism and discrimination
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political disenfranchisement and voter suppression
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poverty, underemployment and unemployment
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incarcerated and detained individuals
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significant elderly population
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
Historically, Black Muslim communities have implemented and sustained vibrant self-help programs serving poor, vulnerable, targeted and criminalized communities through direct services such as food pantries, reentry programs, and economic empowerment. The current pandemic will exact an extraordinary strain on these already overburdened, yet vital programs. Our aim is to build on this legacy and utilize community organizing principles, deeply rooted faith and spirituality and cultural resilience and knowledge to “organize, mobilize, and build power” in six key areas: health and wellness, spiritual well-being, education, arts & culture, advocacy & organizing and economic development and to support those who are on the ground doing important work through skills, community, and power building.
Learn more about the Coalition's vision for change, goals and objectives here.
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
Join Us!
We invite Black Muslim Imams, chaplains, social service providers, health professionals, organizers and community members from across the country to “organize, mobilize, and build power” to:
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Disseminate accurate, timely, culturally and spiritually relevant information to bolster individual and collective health and well-being.
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Strengthen and support Black Muslim leadership during the crisis and post-pandemic recovery
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Support spiritual healing and emotional wellness
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Share best practices in how our communities are responding to the crisis
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
"Because the African diaspora is diverse, we are thinking about the rights of the undocumented. We are thinking about all poor people. We are thinking about the Muslim ban... it’s a good strategy to focus on the most impacted because that will help all of us."
-Margari Hill
Executive Director - Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative
Co-Director - National Black Muslim COVID Coalition
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
NATIONAL BLACK MUSLIM COVID COALITION: NEWS & EVENTS
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
In the first 21 days of the pandemic, the National Black Muslim COVID Coalition mobilized a 40 person interdisciplinary organizing team of community members from across the nation ranging in age from 18 - 65+ to provide accurate information through webinars, call-ins, and online outreach to form a coalition of 50 organizations. The team of faith leaders, clinicians, educators, medical professionals ,community organizers, and artists have connected Black Muslim communities and Black-led organizations that are often left out of national policy decision making in Muslim American communities. Our goal is to quickly and effectively share relevant information to our communities, especially those that need it the most. We have hosted radio programs, informational webinars, launched a an intergenerational storytelling, and documenting project called the Wisdom of the Elders and joined the broader Muslim community to call for mosques to close congregational prayers and provide humanitarian aid and Personal Protective Equipment to underserved communities.
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
Organize, Mobilize, Build Power
CONTACT US
Interested in joining our coalition and finding out how YOU can get involved? We'd love to hear from you!
The National Black Muslim COVID Coalition is committed to continuing the work of organizing and connecting our communities to respond to both COVID-19 and the ongoing plague of white supremacy and racism.
We need YOUR help reaching our goals. Please support the coalition with a monetary donation (c/o Muslim Wellness Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization), volunteering your time and/or sharing our resources in your networks. Thank you and may God reward you for your support!
Please include in memo line: BMCC