TEAM EXPERIENCES
Amplifying Black Muslims Experiences at UIUC
Spring 2020
I helped coordinate and host the “Amplifying Black Muslim Experiences at UIUC” event at BNAACC with my organization, Underrepresented Muslim and Minority Advocates. We wanted to create a space to uplift and amplify the experiences of Black Muslim students at the University of Illinois. We set up a panel of a few students to speak on the intersectionality between their Muslim and Black identities.
As a leader, it is important to know when one should and should not speak. Stepping back and creating space for other voices and experiences to be shared is just as important as speaking on a topic yourself. When demonstrating allyship, one must recognize the harm of overstepping in communities different than their own. I enjoyed this event because I had the opportunity to listen and learn myself. As a visible Muslim woman, I always work to make spaces that I inhabit inclusive. To help me create a more inclusive environment, I draw on my experiences as the president of my student organization on campus, Underrepresented Muslims and Minority Advocates.
Environmental Racism Discussion
Fall 2019
I co-facilitated this event with my organization, Underrepresented Muslim and Minority advocates. We collaborated with Black Students for Revolution and an international student from Brazil. We discussed environmental racism within the Urbana-Champaign community, Chicago, and the Global South. This event’s purpose was to function as a way to educate folks on the history and learn the current work that is addressing environmental racism. We had the opportunity to hear from first-hand experiences through hearing different organizations and students who worked locally or at a larger level to address this issue. We also discussed how race, gender, sexuality and socioeconomic status influence discussions around the environment and who are most impacted.
This event was the first of many that I had the opportunity to organize and lead. I was able to truly understand the importance of consistent and clear communication. I learned the logistics behind reserving spaces and holding events on campus. To be a leader is to help sustain and cultivate a community. I loved the opportunity to connect with other student organizers on campus and build long-standing connections with their organizations. Inviting other groups allowed for a wider range of topics and expertise to be covered.