City of Aslyums's annual forum on freedom of expression features two distinguished artists: Iranian singer and human rights advocate Mahsa Vahdat and Iranian-American poet and playwright Sholeh Wolpé.
City of Asylum annually honors an international writer or artist who has overcome efforts to limit their creative freedom. This year they will honor Iranian singer and songwriter Mahsah Vahdat, a renowned world music performer and vocal advocate for freedom of expression for musicans and composers. Mahsa left her native Iran because of the restrictions placed on female performers by the Iranian government.
"Muslims in America are in the public spotlight. As a result, the demand for information and analysis on Muslims and Islam in the United States has risen. ISPU, conduct objectives, solution-seeking research that empowers American Muslims to develop their community and fully contribute to democracy and pluralism in the United States. It is our hope that these materials will allow a host of interested parties to do the same.
Join us for an evening of reading and discussion celebrating the work of Abdi Nor Iftin. Abdi Nor Iftin’s memoir tells the story of someone who’s desperately trying—against long odds—to make it to the United States and become an American. Abdi was a Somali refugee who fled Kenya for fear of the radical Islamist group In Kenya he got “the luckiest break of his life:” winning the lottery to land on a short list for a U.S. visa. This was his ticket out. But before he could cash in his golden ticket, the police start raiding his neighborhood, targeting refugees.
The screening of Azur & Asmar presented by Sembène–The Film & Art Festival. This film will be presented in English, French, and Arabic. Runtime: 99min Rating: PG ages 6 and up Azur & Asmar is the story of two boys raised as brothers. Blonde, blue-eyed, white skinned Azur and black-haired, brown-eyed, dark-skinned Asmar
University of AZ productions: YouTube talk on Morocco and medieval (Islamic) Spain, which will be especially of interest to Spanish teachers and people who teach Latino or Jewish students. by Dr. R. Brooks Jeffery (University of Arizona professor of Architecture:
Photo: "Candlelight Vigil" by Miki Jourdan (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
How likely were American Muslims to participate in the midterm elections? Does a candidate’s support for the "Muslim ban" help or hurt their run for office? How has Islamophobia changed over the past tumultuous year, and how can it be addressed?
ISPU's fourth annual poll surveys Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Protestants, white Evangelicals, and the non-affiliated to inform national conversations with the voices of everyday Americans.
