Browsing by Subject "Protesting"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Obaid Zia Interview
(2021-10-17) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious Studies
This interview is with Obaid Zia, a pharmacist living in New York City. Obaid compares the Muslim communities and diversity present in the different communities in which he has lived, including Houston, TX. He describes the profiling and prejudice he experienced after 9/11, especially when traveling. He discusses his personal experiences of religion and the role Islam plays in his life today. Obaid also shares his experiences of being active in his high school’s Muslim Students Association and of participating in protesting following the 2017 Muslim ban.
Rhyma Castillo Interview
(2021-03-14) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious Studies
This interview is with Rhyma Castillo, a journalist whose work focuses on the systemic challenges that face underprivileged communities. Rhyma speaks about the path and social concerns that led her into the field of journalism and how she believes in using her platform to speak for those whose voices are suppressed. She details her experience during the polar vortex, describing its impact on communities of color as well as her own mental health, in contrast with its lessened cost to the wealthy and privileged. She closes by speaking against ideas of profit over people and in favor of community engagement.
Shakeel Rashed Interview
(2019-07-30) Institute for Diversity & Civic Life; Department of Religious Studies
This interview is with Shakeel Rashed, an engineer and technology professional and a co-founder of Islamic Center of Lake Travis in Hudson Bend, TX. Shakeel shares about his upbringing in a Muslim-majority, religiously intermingled culture in Hyderabad, India. He discusses moving to the US for graduate school and compares perceptions of religious identity in the US and in India. He discusses how his experience in the US caused him to reevaluate his Muslim identity and become more involved in a Muslim community, eventually becoming part of the leadership of a new mosque in the Lake Travis area. He also describes how the Islamic Center of Lake Travis was started, the complicated process of building and rebuilding, and their vision for their community.