‘Nobody can tell your story better than you’ –These were the take home words of Ade Daramy, Muslim Journalist and Broadcaster at WAMY’s media engagement conference last Sunday. As a Muslim in mainstream media, he emphasised the need for Muslims to stand up and vocalise concerns, impose themselves in Media if necessary and to be persistent. These were the lessons those of colour had learnt through racism and the lessons the Muslim community need to learn now.
The media conference, held at Regents Park mosque, was the third of four planned dawah training sessions, which aim to equip young Muslims with the tools to self-confidently represent the faith to others.
WAMY, the World Association of Muslim Youth, posed the question - how in this day and age can Muslims best use the Media to convey their message?
Leading the discussion were Noureddine Miladi, lecturer in Media studies and Sociology and Ade Daramy of Colourful Radio who shared their experiences of the Media, offering tidbits of advice. Attendees enjoyed discussion groups on why Islam has been misrepresented and how to become a proactive citizen. The afternoon featured video analyses of a number of television interviews with prominent Muslim representatives. Attendees were invited to comment on successful and unsuccessful techniques used. The day rounded off with reflections on new social media such as Twitter and Facebook and their emerging role in the future.
WAMY have successfully hit the nail on the head, in discussing such a relevant subject area. Attendees were passionate and motivated and pleased to be involved. The question to be seen is whether conferences like these can catalyse young people’s energies into action. For the sake of a more tolerant world, we hope so.
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