Memphis, TN—On Monday, American Atheists announced an Arabic-language billboard in Memphis aimed at promoting its 2015 National Convention April 2-5 in Memphis at the historic Peabody Hotel to ex-Muslims.
The billboard features a young girl wearing “bunny ears” with accompanying Arabic text reading, “An atheist convention featuring Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Easter weekend? Looks like we’re skipping mosque again!” and with details about the convention. A similar billboard in English was on display from March 3-10 in Memphis, reading “An atheist convention on Easter weekend? Looks like we’re skipping church again!”
“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.”
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 featured 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 American Atheists 2015 National Convention, April 2-5, at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, 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.
