African American Story Collection

Yaasha Abraham talks about the way she reconciles strict religious ideas with the way she expresses herself artistically. She illustrates how much of an influence her religion plays in her understanding of the world and her individual art. My name is Yaasha. I was not raised Muslim. I am what people now call a revert, […]

Zeina Mohammed: The Anxiety of Identity Zeina Mohammed is a member of the 2018-19 MALA Young Leaders Fellowship. Fellows participate in monthly digital seminars, dinner discussions, and other MALA events. As part of the program, Fellows reflect on their multiple layers of identities – as daughters, sons, professionals, athletes, and so much more – and

To spotlight and amplify Muslim American voices, join MALA’s campaign to elevate public dialogue on Muslim-American identity in the 21st Century. In the spirit of this inspiring episode and series, share your story with us: what is it really like to be Muslim in America? Selected stories are shared by MALA and National Geographic. Being a

Clyde Amin: The Ability To Create Change Clyde tells the story of his upbringing in Montgomery, Alabama, during the civil rights movement, and of membership in the Nation of Islam. His message is one of adaptation creating change at the community level. Clyde encourages young generations to trust their own instincts, and to believe in

Halima Hagi-Mohamed is a Somali-American writer. She was born in Nairobi, Kenya and raised in Fresno, California. Her writing deals with themes of family, mental health, identity, and religion. My name is Halima Hagi-Mohamed and I’m a Somali-American Muslim residing in California. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to America with my family when

Bintou shares her journey as a Muslim, female Gambian-American, and her hopes to keep her traditional values whilst pursuing her dreams and ambitions. This story is part of MALA’s scholarship essay contest. To see more scholarship essays, click here. It’s a school day, and like most of my peers, I go to class, grab some

Mohamed describes the struggle he experienced, and the lessons he learned as a young man growing up in Burkina Faso. His story conveys the importance of humility, gratitude,and resiliency, and offers a profound perspective on how our environment can impact our opportunities. This story is part of MALA’s scholarship essay contest. To see more scholarship

Zaynab Abdi is a student with an impressive resume. She has spoken on behalf of the United Nations and is a Malala Fund ambassador. She knows the struggles she faces as a refugee who came to the States knowing little to no English, but she won’t let that get in her way. She’s a strong