Love Not Hate: Proud by Ibtihaj Muhammad

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

Yesterday, April 3, Muslim communities across the UK had to deal with a disturbing and frightening threat, a threat that also made its way to the United States’ Muslim community. I refuse to use my blog to write specifically about the event, because I feel it simply adds credibility to a hate-filled campaign meant to incite fear. If you want to read about it for yourselves, go ahead.

In the meantime, I thought I would respond to yesterday’s hate with a big, positive announcement. **drumroll**

For the last several months, I’ve had the pleasure of working with United States Olympic fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad on her new memoir, Proud: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream. It was truly inspiring working with Muhammad. Her unique story of discovering fencing and then rising in the ranks, despite being Black, female and Muslim, in a sport traditionally thought of as an elite, white male enterprise, is seriously awe-inspiring. Like, shock and awe-inspiring.

The book has a release date of July 24, 2018, but you can already pre-order a copy if you are so inclined. I hope thousands of people read the book and get to know Ibtihaj Muhammad beyond the headlines and in so doing, expand their knowledge and understanding of Muslim Americans. One book isn’t going to stop the rising tide of hate crimes perpetuated against Muslims in this country, but it might be a solid first step in building bridges and shattering stereotypes.

What do you think?

Did any of you watch Ibtihaj compete in the 2016 Olympics? Check out this video that gives you a glimpse of her story.

Spread love not hate, is the last thing I’m going to say.

Peace!