Muslim Counterpublics Lab

On the anniversary of 911 and throughout the year, we are urged to never forget the victims of the attacks in 2001 by uplifting their stories through memorials, museums, and events. At the same time, Muslim and Muslim American victims targeted in the aftermath and as a direct result of the 911 attacks and the never-ending war on terror, are rarely ever acknowledged or mentioned.

This exhibition was born out of the desire to construct and preserve historical memory of the violence that the US’ war on terror has systematically wrought on Muslim and Muslim American communities across the globe. In curating this exhibition, we focused on identifying pivotal laws, policies, and significant events post 911, through Muslim eyes, voices and experiences that have resulted in monumental levels of Muslim suffering. Leveraging powerful imagery, the exhibition chronicles the war on terror for each year that has been in existence, creating a foundation to conceptualize and construct the totality of the war’s impact on Muslims. While it is meant to be as comprehensive as possible, it is an ongoing project, not only because the war’s end remains nebulous, but because of how much secrecy has surrounded it. It is our hope that this exhibition will serve as a robust political educational tool that will continue to be a resource long after and hopefully when the war on terror is dismantled and abolished. This exhibition was inspired by and created for the pursuit of justice for Muslims, justice that is long past due.