After the events of September 11, 2001, Arab, African, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian (AAMEMSA) immigrant communities have been scapegoated and surrounded by suspicion as a heightened climate of Islamophobia grew. These communities are ethnically and culturally diverse but have all been similarly targeted — experiencing severe racial profiling, government surveillance, and hate crimes.
Ten years later, this oppression and violence against AAMEMSA people in America has continued at an alarming rate. The national discourse is plagued by racist, Islamophobic rhetoric that perpetuates a culture of fear in which public opinion is manipulated for political gain. With our civil liberties constantly under threat, AAMEMSA immigrant communities have been amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized.
Deportation threats, government monitoring, workplace discrimination, and other forms of institutional oppression have kept AAMEMSA communities isolated and divided. But there is a growing movement amongst Arab, African, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian people to stand together and unite in the face of these racist attacks.
Design Action Collective created this poster to celebrate the solidarity of AAMEMSA communities. As a design shop dedicated to social justice work, we see our struggles as intrinsically linked and we recognize our collective power to dismantle these oppressive systems. The ten year anniversary of 9/11 is upon us — this unique political moment is an opportunity to bring our strong, united voices to the national immigrant rights movement.
Download a print-ready PDF of the poster
To learn more:
Unheard Voices of 911
Fear Inc.
Turnstyle news interviewed use for their radio show and created a photo montage video to accompany the interview. Watch it here.