Islam in America Conference Coverage Begins

Via Head Heeb, are three articles (1, 2, 3) about Asians in East Africa. The author uses the term “Kenyasians” to describe the community. Since my family is from Tanzania – Tanzazianz if you will – I know there are Muslims in the area. However, aside from mention of “Aslam,” Muslims really don’t show up in the piece and I’m surprised by that. Did we really not contribute anything? Note: Loyal readers will note that this article is slightly different than what I had originally posted. Somehow a new post displaced the original, including associating with the original story’s comments.…

Here is a Wall Street Journal article on the exhibit America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far, at The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, for which I was the lead academic advisor. Alas, the piece is behind a paywall. The show is the fourth in the Upper West Side museum's Global Cultural Exhibition Series, intended — as the name suggests — to create global citizens. And I can attest, from both observation and ancient personal experience, that the best way to broaden horizons isn't by lecturing kids about being better people but by letting them climb into, over and through things.…

Q: History of Muslims in US two things weren’t mentioned. Internal history was mentioned, but not overseas history, i.e. Islamism. Local history as well, meaning context of action and reaction. A: Khan: Assumption that b/c we live in free society we can be more creative in our interpretation and export it back to Muslim majority countries. Jury is still out on this matter. Islamist movements have clearly been influencing debate here. ISNA started as front of Ikhwan, now it’s MAS. Authenticity is still tied to movements “back home,” even amongst reverts. Need to be comfortable in our Islamic identity. Cesari:…