Dearborn is home to me and has been for quite some time now. I’ve lived here since I was 5-years-old. I love everything about this city. The convenience stores are never far away. The restaurants are great. The people are lively.

But the one thing that bothers me is how often this city’s unique diversity is overlooked. Drive down Ford Road and you’ll be pleased to see mosques and churches side-by-side. Eat at the restaurants and you’ll see people of all skin colors and faiths dining across from one another. Hear about a community tragedy and watch the citizens rally and support anyone in need. 

But that’s not what you see in the media. Unfortunately, the media and its propaganda paint a racist, terrorist town – which is the furthest thing from the truth. All anyone is exposed to are the falsified stories and perceived beliefs of this city. And it’s sad that people outside this city envision Dearborn as the home of terrorism.

I’m not Muslim – I’m Christian. But the racism and hatred that’s imposed upon my Muslim neighbors and friends mortifies me. Because I’ve grown up here and enjoyed this city’s diversity. I have experienced nothing but great friendship and love from my Muslim friends. Whenever I’ve been to their homes, the doors are always opened. 

Whenever I was hungry, steaming plates of spiced food were placed before me. Whenever I was parched, my thirst was quenched. They’ve never hesitated to keep both their home doors and refrigerator doors open for my needs. And this is what people call terrorism? 

Whenever Ramadan occurs, the media and inexperienced individuals cause a frenzy. I’ve experienced it. I’ve explored Dearborn during these times. The night is vivid and alive and the city is illuminated. Walk into any bakery at four in the morning and you’ll be treated to some fresh bread and smiles from affable people. And don’t dare say you’re hungry, unless you’re prepared to receive various invites to people’s homes for a grand meal. 

I have best friends who are Muslims. I have experienced Ramadan and plenty of Iftars. I have eaten at these restaurants, befriended numerous people and enjoyed this beautiful city and its diversity. These are people that will give you the shirts off of their backs.

These are people who will feed you until their tables are empty. These are people who will help you when you’re in need. Terrorism isn’t what Dearborn is and it certainly shouldn’t be a word associated with this city. 

I’m speaking out because I believe in defending what’s right. I know the people of Dearborn and I’m proud to live here and defend my neighbors. It’s not acceptable for any of us to watch as our neighbors are unjustly condemned. It’s not acceptable for any of us to idly stand by as our friends’ faiths are defamed. I know the truth about Islam and Dearborn; I’m proud to share it. I believe in Islam’s beauty and I’m thankful to have grown up in such a varying community. It doesn’t matter what religion you are. It doesn’t matter what race you are. And it doesn’t matter where you’re from. Dearborn doesn’t discriminate. Dearborn welcomes you. Just as it has welcomed me and many others. 

Allowing this toxic discrimination to continue is reprehensible. At the end of the day, we’re all one. The more we hate one another, the sicker society becomes. Before you condemn a society and its religion, understand. Before you criticize their food, eat.

Before you detest the culture, learn and appreciate its origin. You’d be surprised at just how similar we all are at the end of the day. I’m thankful a varied community like Dearborn showed me just that.