“I am a Muslim too” rally

In order to protest President Trump’s travel ban on Muslim majority countries, many New Yorkers have gathered to say “I am a Muslim too.” This protest happened on Sunday, Feb. 19 in Times Square.
More than a thousand people came to the protest to support Muslim Americans. Many waved American flags while protesting Trump’s immigration policies. The event was organized by many human rights groups, including the non-profit organization Foundation for Ethnic Understanding (FFEU).

New York’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, was also in attendance, and told the crowd that America is “a country founded to protect all faiths and all beliefs.” de Blasio was also joined by many religious leaders, showing their support for the Muslim community. Russell Simmons, a hip-hop mogul was also in attendance and said the Muslim community was being used as a scapegoat, but that “diversity will prevail.” The event was attended by many famous activists and celebrities.

This is not the first “I am a Muslim too” rally. The first one was organized in 2010. Although it’s not the first, it is one of the more famous because of the travel ban. The New York march happened one day after a larger march in Los Angeles, which also protested the ban as well as immigration enforcement raids.
Many activists have demanded that local officials take steps to fight back against Trump’s “deportation machine.” The rallies have brought more national attention to hardships and discrimination many fellow Muslim Americans have been through.