American Diversity
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“Where are your parents from?” Studying generational shifts in identities of Muslim-American immigrants
This past Spring Semester at American University’s School of International Service, the course Researching Islam allowed students to explore the origins of the Islamic faith and develop their understanding through the contemporary lens of Muslims in...July 28, 2021 786 0 -
The pandemic and America’s engagement with the Muslim community
Majoritarian tyranny prevails where tribalism is dominant. And this can occur anywhere, underlying the necessity to not take the eye off the ball. This was the core takeaway when I was asked by Professor Akbar Ahmed to...June 2, 2021 666 0 -
Pakistani-American scholar and founder of American Muslim Alliance Agha Saeed passes away
Pakistani-American scholar Dr. Agha Saeed, who devoted his life to amplifying the political voice of the American Muslim community, passed away in Monterey, California. Tributes poured in from academics, political activists, and leaders of Muslim organizations...February 20, 2021 751 0 -
Where does hope lie in trying times?
In a time of misunderstanding among different communities, a rising pandemic, and adjustments in a new digital era, where can individuals find a beacon of light? On July 16th, Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, former Pakistani High Commissioner...August 5, 2020 1300 0 -
How Sanders is firing up Democratic voters with a multi-generational, multi-racial coalition
The Democratic party appears to be heading into an unprecedented evolutionary phase and Senator Bernie Sanders is driving the movement for such transition. Soon after his convincing victory in diversity-rich Nevada, the Vermont threw light on...February 23, 2020 770 0 -
Finding voices of harmony amidst conlficting narratives
A few years ago, when American University Professor Dr. Akbar Ahmed and Smithsonian Director Manjula Kumar picked me for the role of a Sufi Sheikh in the famous play Noor, I savored the experience as a...August 3, 2019 1817 0 -
U.S. has more college-educated immigrants than any other country
Pakistani origin scientist Nergis Mavalvalva Image Credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation/Wikimedia Commons It’s an open secret that one of the major factors contributing to America’s advancement in research and innovation has been its...February 9, 2019 1099 0 -
American Muslims find political voice as U.S. electorate embraces diversity, inclusion
American Muslims are just one percent of the U.S. population, but they make up 10 percent of the medical practitioners. One of the greatest medical minds in recent history was late Dr. Ayub Ommaya, an illustrious...November 14, 2018 885 0 -
Sonoma Valley Authors Festival – American hospitality in troubled times
The Lodg, the venue of Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Photo: SVAF/Twitter Image In early May, Zeenat and I had the privilege of traveling to Sonoma, California to speak as part of the inaugural Sonoma Valley Authors...June 30, 2018 1076 0 -
AMI to host conversation on challenges facing America’s diverse communities
American Muslim Institution, a Washington D.C.-based organization devoted to fostering interfaith dialogue, will host next month a conversation with some of the top journalists on challenges facing America’s diverse communities. The event on September 9 in...August 16, 2017 1528 0
