Memphis, Tenn. — An Arabic-language billboard that welcomes ex-Muslims to an atheist event went up recently in Memphis. The signage is among the promotions for the American Atheists 2015 National Convention. The event will be at the Peabody Hotel April 2-5.
The billboard features a young girl wearing bunny ears with accompanying text reading, “An atheist convention on Easter weekend? Looks like we’re skipping church again!” and includes details about the convention. A similar billboard in English was on display March 3-10 in Memphis.
“Memphis has a thriving Muslim community, and in such communities closeted atheists can feel completely alone,” said American Atheists president David Silverman. “Our message is that you are not alone, and you don’t have to pretend anymore. Atheism is the fastest growing religious demographic in America and we throw fun, welcoming conventions, the largest of which is coming to your city in just two weeks.”
Convention events
The Islamic religion plays an upfront role in the 2015 American Atheists National Convention. The keynote speaker is Somali-born human rights activist and ex-Muslim Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and other speakers include Bangladeshi atheist blogger Asif Mohiuddin, who recently served time in jail for blogging about his doubts, and Muhammad Syed, president of Ex-Muslims of North America.
The convention will also feature memeticist Dr. Susan Blackmore, HowStuffWorks.com founder and Discovery Channel host Marshall Brain, comedians Trace Bealieu and Frank Conniff of the cast of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” and many more. For a complete list of speakers, see atheists.org/convention2015/speakers.
For the exact location of the billboard, downloadable images for redistribution, and the most up-to-date version of this press release, visit news.atheists.org.
American Atheists is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that defends civil rights for atheists, freethinkers, and other nonbelievers; works for the total separation of religion and government; and addresses issues of First Amendment public policy. American Atheists was founded in 1963 by Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
