Islam, Anti-Racism and the Muslim American Community

CMES BAYAN Webinar Series
#islaminamerica #blackmuslim #race #racism #immigrants

Speakers:
Dr. Sherman A. Jackson - King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Culture, USC
Shaykha Ieasha Prime - Scholar in Residence & Chaplain, New York University

Dr. Jackson will frame the encounter between race and Islam in America from three intertwining perspectives: 1) that of the dominant group of Americans, who chose race as THE definer of difference; 2) that of Blackamericans, particularly those who embraced or associated with Islam; 3) that of Muslims for whom race was both a new, awkward and somewhat uncomfortable basis for a social identity — until the tragic events of 9/11 all but forced it upon them in its most negative form. The point this presentation will not be to critique America as the land of race but ultimately to spawn and agitate discussion on how Islam can bring its healing powers to bear on this most American reality.

Shaykha Ieasha Prime calls us to recognize that healing racism requires not only for us to be non-racist, but anti-racist. Racism is systemic, therefore the solution must be systemic. She reflects on how the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ systematically addressed and healed the racism from within the hearts of his early followers in order to resolve it in the society.

Moderator:
Seyed Hadi Qazwini, Bayan Trustee