Introduction to the Listening Session
The Dallas Morning News is partnering with the Islamic Association of Collin County to host a Nov. 7 listening session at the Plano mosque for Dallas-Fort Worth’s Muslim community.
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Journalists from The News will gather at the mosque to talk with Muslim community members who want to share their feedback, insights, concerns and story ideas.
Those who are interested in attending the listening session can RSVP here. Advance registration is not required to attend.
Importance of the Listening Session
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D-FW is home to a growing Muslim community, and Muslims make up about 1% of the region’s population. Some Muslim people and houses of worship have been the subject of controversy in recent years or have faced acts of violence.
Akram Syed, president of the Islamic Association of Collin County, said the media has an important role to play in fostering intercommunity understanding among Muslim people and their neighbors.
“We want to be understood; we want to be represented,” he said. “We are hoping that this listening session will help us do that.”
He said he hopes to remind others in D-FW of “how normal we are as human beings.”
“The commonality — this is what we want everyone to understand,” he said.
Details of the Listening Session
Friday, Nov. 7 from 6-8 p.m. at Islamic Association of Collin County, 6401 Independence Parkway, Plano.
The listening session is an opportunity for Muslim community members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas with journalists from The News. It is a chance for the community to come together and discuss issues that are important to them.
Why is the Listening Session Important?
The listening session is important because it provides a platform for Muslim community members to express themselves and be heard. It is an opportunity for the community to build relationships with journalists and to work together to promote understanding and representation.
By attending the listening session, community members can help to create a more accurate and nuanced representation of the Muslim community in the media. They can share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, and help to break down stereotypes and misconceptions.
What to Expect from the Listening Session
The listening session will be a relaxed and informal event, where community members can come and share their thoughts and ideas. There will be journalists from The News present, who will be listening and taking notes.
The session will be a chance for community members to ask questions, share their concerns, and provide feedback on how the media can better represent the Muslim community. It is an opportunity for the community to come together and work towards creating a more inclusive and representative media landscape.
Conclusion
The listening session is an important event that provides a platform for Muslim community members to express themselves and be heard. It is an opportunity for the community to build relationships with journalists and to work together to promote understanding and representation.
By attending the listening session, community members can help to create a more accurate and nuanced representation of the Muslim community in the media. They can share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, and help to break down stereotypes and misconceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the listening session?
A: The purpose of the listening session is to provide a platform for Muslim community members to express themselves and be heard. It is an opportunity for the community to build relationships with journalists and to work together to promote understanding and representation.
Q: Who can attend the listening session?
A: The listening session is open to all members of the Muslim community who are interested in attending. Advance registration is not required, but community members can RSVP here.
Q: What can I expect from the listening session?
A: The listening session will be a relaxed and informal event, where community members can come and share their thoughts and ideas. There will be journalists from The News present, who will be listening and taking notes.
Q: How can I get involved in the listening session?
A: Community members can get involved in the listening session by attending the event and sharing their thoughts and ideas. They can also RSVP here to let the organizers know that they are coming.
