AMERICAN MUSLIMS AGAINST TERRORISM AND EXTREMISM: NEW INITIATIVE BY MUSLIM AMERICANS TACKLES EXTREMISM ONLINE
www.amateinitative.com offers a safe and educational space for those who are seeking the right path to the faith of Islam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandria, VA – Masjid Muhammad, a non-profit organization and the oldest established Muslim community in Washington, DC, and one of the oldest in America, is proud to announce the unveiling of its new anti-extremism online platform entitled, American Muslims Against Terrorism and Extremism (AMATE). This engaging and responsive multimedia platform challenges the narrative that promotes extremist ideology and violence throughout the world. The project is being executed through a collaboration of community partners that includes mosques and cultural centers throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan region, countering violent extremism (CVE) and counter-terrorism experts.
The website and communications platform, developed by Greene Street Communications, LLC, a full-service marketing and public relations firm, includes the following: articles, resource guides, Islamic clergy support, videos from former extremists challenging the narrative, and a host of other support tools and information for those seeking information on alternative narratives as well as those who are heading down a path of destruction.
In late 2017, Masjid Muhammad was one of seven organizations awarded funds to address the spread of violent extremism by challenging the narrative that promotes extremism. Funds totaling nearly a half million dollars ($450,000) were granted to Masjid Muhammad to support the effort. A total of 31 proposals from various organizations in multiple communities were selected to receive part of the $10 million appropriated by Congress last year.
“This multifunctional platform developed by credible, authentic and constructive Muslim voices creates a much-needed digital presence for those who desperately need support. The AMATE initiative includes comprehensive videos, resource guides, a robust social media presence, support material and other information, through research and proven strategies, that helps combat and address extremism. This compelling online multimedia platform creates a “safe space” of sorts for open dialogue and discussion and in the spring we will host a series of community events to complement those efforts,” stated Imam Talib Shareef, the leader of Masjid Muhammad.
This new grant clearly demonstrates the professional depth and core competencies of Masjid Muhammad in the countering violent extremism space. Additional partners include prominent Islamic organizations, several notable American Islamic scholars and experts.
For more information about DHS's Countering Violent Extremism initiative, click here.
Contact:
Jamilah Fraser
Project Officer
[email protected]
(716) 868-7272
About Masjid Muhammad
Dating back to the mid-1930s, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque (of America) is representative of the oldest established Muslim community in the Nation’s Capital and America. This community established the first Mosque to be built from the ground up in America’s capital city by its citizens, and the first in America by descendants of enslaved, African Americans and African-Muslims. Also called, “The Nation’s Masjid (Mosque)” or “Washington Masjid”, Masjid Muhammad is the place of worship for several thousand Muslims in the Washington, D.C. area. To learn more, visit: www.nationsmosque.org.
About Greene Street Communications
Greene Street Communications, LLC (GSC) a Public Relations and Marketing firm specializing in the planning, development and implementation of sustainable and effective marketing, strategic communications and CVE strategies for government, non-profit and for-profit organizations. It is an 8(a) and HUBZone-certified, WBENC-certified, women-owned small business. For more information visit www.gstreetgroup.com.
