Where are the American Muslims in the media?

With a second round of Congressional 'Radicalization' hearings complete, Islam in America continues to be under fire. Americans continue to be misled into thinking Islam is any less American than Judaism or Christianity. If we go by strictly numbers, Christianity would be the religion of America, although, it landed on American shores the same time as Islam. Some may argue Islam preceded Christianity as Muslims have been documented to have traded and lived among Native Americans. However, it is a known fact that Muslim 'Moors' accompanied Columbus on the Santa Maria.

Today, Christianity is the religion of the land. Our national holidays, historical context and 'natural' religion of the majority comes from the Christian tradition. It is important to note that race has played an unfortunate role in American religious culture. During slavery, traditional African religions and Islam was forcibly rooted out of the enslaved population considered to be dangerous to the oppressive institution. For all practical purposes, there was only one acceptable American religion, Christianity and it was being unfairly used to segregate and oppress.

American religion evolved as racial status progressed. As African-Americans found freedom, Black Churches were established to support the welfare and advancement of Blacks. The Black church found itself in contention with the racial theology of mainstream America as it provided a theological foundation for the liberation of slaves and later a platform for the Civil Rights Movement. Still today, Black churches are primarily segregated but are now considered a part of mainstream American religion.

The journey of Islam in America has been rooted in a similar struggle for liberation as the Black church. Enslaved African Muslims are documented to have maintained their faith, although not allowed to openly practice. To practice meant physical reprimand, abuse and death. Islam represented the antithesis to the slave doctrine and oppression. Theologically, it abolished slavery and could not coexist in a system of injustice. Islam still survived through slavery and continued to be relevant in Black life during the turn of the 20th century up through the Civil Rights movement. African-American Muslims played a critical role in the American struggle to freedom and equality.

Looking at Islam in the media, few could determine its long and important history in America. Media outlets are either choosing immigrant Muslims to address issues of radicalization, terrorism and the dangers of Islam in America or Muslim organizations are making the choice. Some representatives are born Americans, usually 1st generation but they still look and feel non-American. Their appeal is closer to what and who we are being led to fear...a stereotypical prototype of a Muslim or worse a terrorist who is of middle-eastern or south Asian descent.

I can't help to think that the lack of indigenous Americans being shown in the media is aiding in creating a climate of Islamophobia. African-Americans makeup the largest single ethnic segment of Muslims in America, yet they are rarely seen in the media. Immigrant Muslims are commonly seen usually attempting to look more 'american' to accommodate the American public. This is a poor image to present as most terrorist are seen wearing the traditional dress of Muslim immigrants. By not presenting a 'normal' Muslim, in traditional dress, speaking of peace and inclusion in the context of Islam, then the 'radical' Muslim becomes anyone who doesn't 'appear' to have assimilated into American culture.

To make a better impact in the fight against unjust discrimination, why not bring forth the folk, whose very image is wrapped in the liberation movement of America. The image of the American Muslim, is an indigenous American image. An image historically rooted in American religion and culture. It comes with the historical wherewithal of discrimination and segregation. It maintains a voice of justice and equity for all Americans and maybe, most importantly, reminds America to be weary of repeating her crimes against humanity.

A lot of damage has already been done since 9/11 to the image of Muslims in America. Without question, immigrant Muslims are taking the biggest hit in this era of Islamophobia. But just as the history of America reflects, we can overcome injustice. To do so, Islam in America needs to employ representatives who have the seniority and experience in speaking out against injustice. The people whose image is not only wholly American but has helped shape what is considered to be American tolerance and humanity. The African-American image is already normalized as American and being the oldest Muslim population in America, it should be represented. By doing so it will help in bringing clarity and focus to the conversation of terrorism and injustice.

When Giants Collide We can Move Forward

What happens when two Black iconic activist go at it head-to-head on national tv? The black blogger news gets to buzzin', positioning two important voices against one another, like Tupac vs. Biggie. Both are relevant and important so why do we have to choose a side?

Dr. Cornel West and Rev. Al Sharpton where featured on Ed Schultz's, "The Black Agenda" expose'. The program focused on how current government policies, particularly those enacted under President Obama's administration, can make a stronger America from the perspective of the Black discourse. A couple of questions that initiated this spirited debate, 'is the President actively working to relieve the plight of the poor?' and 'what exact policies has he initiated to that resolve?'

Rev. Al held in support of the President. Dr. West charged him accountable for helping the poor and called into question his effectiveness. Critiquing policies of a Commander-in-Chief isn't a new phenomena (God knows Black folk gave George W. the blues) African-Americans have long questioned the actions of past presidents and their commitments to resolving poverty.

President Obama brings the Black narrative to the office of the President. A narrative rich in the tradition of championing those who are at the bottom of America's 'pot'. Black folk have an instant connection with him like a 2nd cousin or even better...like Will & Jada...as if we know either of them. But because of our shared experiences, our ebonic connections, there is a bond we have with our President and a measure of support and loyalty expected in return.

Dr. West has long questioned President Obama's commitment to the poor even before he was President. During Obama's campaign, West expressed nervousness because he was only hearing Obama's discourse on the middle class and nothing referring the poor. During the "Black Agenda" program, Dr. West continued to question this lack of discourse and policy coming from the Oval Office.

Rev. Al, another advocate for the poor and vulnerable, has maintained his same view of Obama pre-election as well. Rev. Al had frequently commented that Obama is not a civil rights activist, he is a politician and should not be expected to maintain an activist level of social commitment. During the program he put the onus on Congress to initiate and push policy for the poor that could later be signed by the President.

As they debated and shouted across Ed Schultz, like two 'brothas' arguing whose better Jordan or Kobe, the logic and reasoning began to be difficult to decipher over the heated exchanges. The show ended on a adversarial note, without conclusion or a bridging of positions. Leaving viewers wondering if the conversation had moved from an intelligent debate to a personal confrontation.

How most of us should have viewed this and future debates, is remembering the importance of keeping the best interest of the people the priority. Rev. Al has been committed to the work of service for decades. Dr. West has been a leader, mentor and advocate for our community for the same. Both have love, desire and an earnest will to uplift those who are being left behind. Both warriors in the Jihad against poverty, crime, poor education and all inequities that plague poor communities. Both have the same objectives and goals just a difference in achievement.

Different roads can be taken to get to the same destination. How we get there shouldn't become the focus and blur the vision for our future. Sharpton and West had a difference but both desire the same end. So let's not get confused over some entertaining antics and heated discourse. The upliftment of a people is important business and will take warriors on all roads to get us to our destination...including the warrior sitting in the Oval Office.

The Dungeon

The guide leads us down a dark hall into a chamber with no light or exit. The floor changes from cobble stone to a dark brownish hard clay-like material. A British man asks, "how many Africans came through this dungeon? The guide responds, "at least two million." That number reverberated through my body as I griminced at the shear magnitude of what happened in this place. All of my readings and presumptions of the slave dungeons did not prepare me for my first hand viewing.

The slave dungeon at Cape Coast, Ghana is the largest slave dungeon built in West Africa. It remained in operation for over 300 years in the business of human theft and destruction. The journey for captured Africans did not begin in the dungeon. Many Africans were captured in what is today called Nigeria. Captured Africans would be marched in chain links 300 miles to the coasts of Ghana. They were hearded with the care of unwanted cattle, beaten, unclean, their bloodied bodies forced on this death trek. The strong survived, the weak killed. On arrival in Ghana, they would receive their only washing. Covered in blood, urine and feces, dehydrated and near death, the survivors would be marched into a river, changing it's blueish-green color to one of brownish-red. The river is now referred to as "Blood River". If you survived the walk then you were 'welcomed' to the dungeon.

Words can't capture the emotions that attack your spirit the moment you step into the dungeon. A peculiar stinch addresses your nose as you hesistantly walk down into the male dungeon. You attempt to rationalize with yourself that the smell must be because the building is old but you quickly realize the worst. The floor which was once dirt and gravel is now a cement of compressed excrement, urine and blood. Captives were packed in like 'sardines' with no place to move. They were kept in rooms filled with bodily waste for months, were allowed limited movement and on occassion hearded into a small room with a single window to see the light of day.

I could go on. I could describe the women's quarters, who suffered in worst conditions and were subjected to rape and death if pregnant. This was a crime against humanity, the African and God that continued for 400 years. There is absolutely nothing humane about the dungeon...nothing. Our small, diverse tour group were mostly silent and introspective. We would ask pertinent questions followed by sighs of disbelief.

In each room I prayed. I prayed for the mother, the father, the son, the daughter. I prayed for every one of the 2 million Africans that were held here. I prayed for those that survived and those that didn't. I prayed for the families from which they were taken. As heavy as my heart had become, overwhelmed with emotion, as we arose from the dungeon into the clean African ocean air, I took a deep breath and thanked God. I thanked God for my ancestor who survived. My ancestor who survived the walk to "Blood River", who survived months in the dungeon, who survived the middle passage and 400 years of slavery in America.

We left the Cape Coast with a feeling of purpose. There's a reason for our being. It may not be for us to just exist in the comforts of our 'world' but to offer a contribution to make it better. At least that's what the ancestors told me as we drove off.

Ghana Jalsa

The two lane road is backed up like taxis in Times Square, "what is all this traffic?", I ask our driver, he responds, "Jalsa!" We continue to inch forward to arrive at a large white fence, Ghanain flags and a sea of people. The Khuddam stand post at the huge black gate, they verify our VIP then two young men open the doors to the campus. All I could manage was Allahu Akbar, 'God is Great', as my breath was taken away for what laid upon my eyes.

People who have witnessed this marvelous event, have always expressed such deep emotions in their descriptions. They would attempt to explain the magnitude, the spiritual energy, the sheer visual beauty but all fail to do it justice. As an African-American muslim, it is the most surreal feeling to be in the midst of African people celebrating Islam as it has been inherently passed down to them from the time of the Prophet of Islam. The order of the Khuddam as they go through their protocols like a well-trained military corps. The Ameer of Ghana greeting his guest in his formal african 'whites' with thousands more laced in african clothing, at a level of sharpness the american eye has never seen. Behind this buffet of order and beauty, the melodious sound of singers serenading praises to the Most High. Their African harmonies reminiscent of the most southern black gospel choirs. To justifiably explain this awe-inspiring event is virtually impossible.

As the Ameer and guests make their way to the front stage, cheers of 'Allahu Akbar', 'Oninche' and 'Onkwoso' are harmoniously song in response by a crowd large enough to fill a football stadium. The men raising their hands with bright smiles and the women waving handkerchiefs in the air all greet the stage-party. As the VIPs take the stage the singers return to lay another soul-stirring 'jam' on the crowd. They cheer, sing along, and are in complete joy as God is praised in their native tongues. It's an African 'tent' revival going on live!

The VIPs speak with passion of attending Ahmadiyya schools when they were young and to now holding government offices. They speak of the community work that is being done in Ghana; the schools, hospitals, farming, the good people, etc. A greeting from the President of the country is read by his representative. Then another song. The Ameer addresses the crowd and officially opens the Jalsa..then another and another song. The energy is unreal. I'm so excited I find myself cheering in song with the rest of my sisters and brothers as if my soul had returned home and remembered all of this.

Equality of men and women in Ghana is openly practiced. Men and women marquis' stand side-by-side giving both sexes equal view of the stage and activities. I can't explain the beauty in prayer when lines are formed in the designated areas but quickly overflow into the street and parking lot. No hesitation as prayer rugs are layed in unison covering the grounds. Finding some cover under a row of palm trees, shoulder-to-shoulder I stood linked with my African family...Allahu Akbar!

Each day goes on like the above, every moment we enjoy while hoping to decipher a way to package it all and bring home. Some things I choose not to disclose because it is so uniquely African, it's like a pureness that should never become tainted even by the least misunderstanding. In Ghana, we all are family, equal in every way. I've ofter imagined what Islam must have been like during the days of the Prophet...I no longer need to imagine but just remember this experience at the Ghana Jalsa.

I have to mention, having the honor to speak was like a dream. Nothing happens by chance and whatever reason God brought me to Ghana. I spoke just before the Ameer with the crowd at full attention. I spoke of my return being the answer of the prayers raised from the hulls of slave ships. I spoke on how the return to Africa has taken 400 years. I spoke of my Ummi, who has passed on. I thanked them...I thanked God. As I ended with a prayer for them and for Ghana, loud cheers and song rang throughout the campus. I became filled with emotion and thought of my Ummi and told her...thank you!

The Jalsa ended with the Ameer of Ghana delivering an inspirational, powerful speech. He spoke with bravado and conviction, inspiring the crowd with love and purpose. Deep into the night the cheers continued until the mahgrib and insha prayers were called. The 2011 Ghana Jalsa is over...now I can only think...how can I get back next year! Allahu Akbar!