Written by: Kendall A. | Umm Iman
(Originally Posted: June 23, 2020)
About two and a half weeks ago, UmmIman.Org sent out a “Community Call to Action” for families to engage in a social justice project that was geared around: teaching children how to be advocates for change against injustice, fostering a love of and value for the diversity in Allah’s creation, and inviting both children and adults to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement in age appropriate ways.
The Call to Action sought to achieve these goals by: sharing a wealth of resources for children’s books, books read aloud, and videos centered around the beauty in differences, standing up for others who are being treated unfairly/how to be an ally, how to change the world, and what it looks like to be kind. We then asked families to discuss the concepts outlined in these stories and create something meaningful to solidify the learning. We really wanted to impress upon children that: Islam does not condone racism or colorism, Allah loves and is the Creator of diversity, we are all a part of Allah’s creation, we are similar though we look unique, and we are judged by Allah based on our character and deeds, rather than our appearances.
To see the full list of book resources and project ideas, please click the “Community Call to Action” PDF at the bottom of the page. Below are the submissions we received from families with children between the ages of 3 to 12-years-old. It is our sincere hope that this generation will be anti-racist, anti-oppression, and advocates for change, as this is what we are called to do through the tenets of our beautiful faith.
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