Hena Khan has written a series of colorful, inspiring books that connect with children across the world and share the stories of Muslim characters. altM’s Asma Uddin spoke with Hena about her writing journey and what she’s learned from it all. Also check out altM’s previous interview with Hena. Asma:…
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Writer and interfaith activist Saadia Faruqi has launched an amazing new children’s book series, Meet Yasmin. altM’s Asma Uddin sat down with her to talk about her inspiration for the series and her path to success. altM: Saadia, welcome to altM. You’ve written some really wonderful pieces for us in the past,…
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In late July, the mother of slain U.S. Capt. Humayun Khan stood supportively behind her husband as they gave their joint statement at the Democratic National Convention. It was arguably the most impactful speech at the gathering. However, in an interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News just after the…
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“I’m writing as if God put this pen and paper In my hand Opening my mind to words I can’t even understand” [separator type=”space”] Hawa Fuesini’s poetry collection, “Nabila’s Garden: Love, Loss, Heartbreak and Redemption” reflects upon the journey of a sixteen year old Nigerian immigrant living in New York City. Instead…
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The Muslim experience in post-9/11 America is alive with a burgeoning literary-arts movement. Muslim storytellers are increasingly invested in “humanizing” their experiences. Initiatives like The Hijabi Monologues, The Muslim Protagonist, Muslim Writers Collective, and others are dedicated to this project. Hashtags like #MuslimLivesMatter and #WeNeedDiverseBooks are ubiquitous. Calls to fight…
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Tiny Love Story “And what do you do?” so many have asked. “I tell stories,” the girl said. One by one they’ve walked away, not understanding the language she speaks. Until one day… “I tell stories,” said she. “Then you are brave,” said he, “and you should keep telling them….
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The first creative writing piece I workshopped in undergrad told the story of a Pakistani engineering student who rebuilds her father’s mystical gulab jamun machine and saves Manhattan from a gang of neo-Nazis and their patrons on Wall Street. It was narrated by her friend, an insecure Muslim Iranian Dominican…
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It is summer, 1999. I remember standing on the steps of the townhouse I had grown up in, July heat in the air. I had just turned 17, and it seemed that all around me, a confluence of events was taking place: junior year was turning into senior year, the…
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I have a somewhat unusual background—my father is a conservative Indian immigrant and my mother is from Kentucky. It’s also worth noting that my mother is very country and very white. As for myself, I was raised on red meat, potatoes and classic rock in Columbus, Ohio. I recall my childhood being quintessentially American, but with something of a twist.
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