September 25, 2023

Slam the Islamophobia

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Gallery from We Say Salam

The Emerald Project is a Utah-based organization that carefully designs dialogues to engage with non-Muslims to make Salt Lake Valley a more welcoming home to Muslims.

As many of our refugee friends belong to the Muslim faith, we applaud opportunities that foster understanding and were pleased to support The Emerald Project’s 3rd annual “Slam the Islamophobia” event on February 15th. What started as an opportunity for Muslim poets to participate in a slam poetry night has evolved into a beautiful tradition where Muslim artists of many types share their talents with the community. From musicians, to photographers, to models, the night was filled with an incredible display of local talent, not to mention delicious food. The Emerald Project works closely with the mayor and city of Salt Lake to better integrate, give voice to, and celebrate its Muslim community. Some shared heart wrenching stories about hate crimes, love, history, forgiveness, and strength. Many shed tears as artists shared life changing experiences and compassion and understanding grew.


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You might be surprised to learn how some elements of your own faith tradition are shared by Muslims. To learn more about Muslim beliefs and their observance of Ramadan, we invite you to watch a short video produced by one of our TSOS friends, Rimsha Rana.

Why Ramadan is Special

To learn more about the Emerald Project and their mission, and what you can do to get involved, check out their website!

Emerald Project
What would you do if you had to leave everything behind?

By the end of 2025, more than 117.8 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced by war, persecution, or human rights abuses — and 45 million of them are children.

They arrive in refugee camps and countries seeking safety and carrying little: legal papers, if they're lucky. A backpack. A child's hand in theirs.

What they carry that we can't see is heavier: fractured families, homes they'll never return to, professions they loved, friends and relatives they may never see again.

In a climate where immigrant stories are often ignored or twisted, we believe stories are a form of justice. When someone shares what they survived, they reclaim their voice. When we amplify it through film, photography, and advocacy, the world listens. Hearts soften. Policy begins to shift.

Because when a lawmaker sees a person instead of a statistic, and a neighbor understands instead of fears, rebuilding becomes possible.

Your support helps us share these stories where they matter most.

— Kristen Smith Dayley, Executive Director, Their Story is Our Story

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