Islamophobia and xenophobia are not new phenomena. They have a long history in the U.S. and are rooted in a long-standing tradition of suspicion toward the “other.” The rising fear, hate and discrimination that Muslim and Arab Americans face today stems from a long and established American tradition of branding what is different as un-American and as a perceived threat (read more). During this political season alone, we’ve seen negative campaigning based on tactics that are anti-immigrant, -refugee, -Arab and -Muslim, and otherwise racist rhetoric that spreads hate.

Despite what may seem like a hopeless situation, there is action we can take to stand up to hate and present our own narrative. Starting today and continuing through Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day), we will share stories every day that demonstrate how people across the country, and around the world, turn hate and violence into an opportunity to #TakeOnHateWithLove. Find these stories on Facebook and Twitter.

Many of the stories that we are highlighting reflect the hate crimes that are direct implications of racism, bigotry and Islamophobia. However, in each example, people have risen above the hate to respond instead with positivity and change. Simply put, they #TakeOnHateWithLove. We are also highlighting stories of Muslim and Arab Americans who stand up to the prejudices and discrimination they face through acts of service, whether getting safe drinking water to residents in Flint, Mich. or volunteering in communities outside of their own.

We also call on you to participate in this campaign! Share stories of how you or others have stood up to hate. Tag your posts with #TakeOnHateWithLove all week.