Wendy Diaz on Islam, Identity, and Inclusion

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin speaks with Sister Wendy Diaz, a multifaceted writer, educator, and award-winning poet. Highlighting her journey from Puerto Rico to the United States, Sister Wendy shares impactful moments from her childhood that set her on a path of education and empowerment. They delve into the cultural intersections of language and religion, the growing influence of Latino Muslims in the U.S., and the challenges of xenophobia within the Muslim community. Sister Wendy also emphasizes the importance of children's literature and educational resources in Spanish, providing insights into her ongoing work to support and uplift Latino Muslim voices. This episode underscores the significance of inclusivity, representation, and continuous learning in fostering stronger communities.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:01 Meet Our Guest: Sister Wendy Diaz

01:59 Wendy's Formative Years and Early Influences

06:34 The Impact of Language and Education

12:47 Cultural Identity and Racism Experiences

21:46 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Muslim Community

26:34 The Role of Writing and Poetry

31:11 Spanish Language Outreach and DAWA Work

34:01 Challenges in Nonprofit Work

36:30 Latino Muslims' Contributions and Growth

47:51 Parenting Insights and Reflections

54:05 The Importance of Islamic Literature

56:45 Leadership and Legacy

01:02:27 Final Thoughts and Ongoing Projects

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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Guest: Maryum “May May” Ali

Host: Imam Tariq I. El-Amin

Presented by: BAYAN On Demand

Episode Highlights:

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• [02:00] Maryum’s 15+ years in youth development and gang prevention in South Los Angeles
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• [04:00] The tragedy that redirected her college major and professional path
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• [07:00] Real-time stories of life-saving mentorship and trust-building in communities
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• [11:00] The roots of her creative spirit—and how stand-up comedy offered both a challenge and a stage
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• [15:00] Performing with legends like Eddie Murphy, Robin Harris, and Chris Rock
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• [17:00] Why she left the entertainment industry despite early success
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• [20:00] The turning point: writing and performing Float, her one-woman stage show
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• [34:00] Behind the scenes: How Float was developed, funded, and produced
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• [42:00] The discipline and planning required to do meaningful solo work
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• [49:00] Her advice to aspiring artists and creatives in Muslim spaces
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• [54:00] Reflections on faith, identity, process, and public responsibility
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• [56:00] What Maryum learned about humanity from watching her father, Muhammad Ali
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Key Themes:

Faith and creativity • Community leadership • Black Muslim womanhood • Entertainment and ethics • Artistic process • Dawa through presence • Legacy of Muhammad Ali

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

📲 Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook

Follow @TheAmericanMuslimPodcast for episode updates, highlights, and community reflections.

Follow host @ImamTariqElAmin for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and more.

Kalia Abiade, VP of Pillars Fund, on Faith, Family, and the Future We Fight For

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, hosted by Imam Tariq El-Amin and presented by Bayan on Demand, we engage in a deep conversation with Kalia Abiade, the Executive Vice President at Pillars Fund. Kalia shares her insights on growing up in California, her family's migration experiences, and the impact these have had on her life and work in advocacy, media policy, and philanthropy. We discuss the importance of storytelling, the notion of objectivity in journalism, and the essential role of preserving community narratives. Kalia underscores the power of connection, sharing stories within the community, and the faith-driven commitment to social change. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and the work being done by the Pillars Fund to support and amplify Muslim voices in creative and civic spaces.

00:00 Introduction to Bayan on Demand

01:00 Welcome to the American Muslim Podcast

01:09 Meet Kalia Abiade: A Voice for Justice

02:25 Formative Experiences in California

03:15 Migration Stories and Family History

06:41 Life in Chicago and Connection to the Land

09:59 Cultural Shock and Becoming Muslim in Florida

12:51 Journalistic Integrity and Objectivity

20:14 Pillars Fund and Muslim Narrative Change

33:54 Exploring the Creative Approach to Muslim Storytelling

34:23 The Impact of Horror Genre on Diverse Audiences

35:56 Challenges and Gaps in Muslim Representation in Media

37:20 The American Muslim Documentary: Filling Historical Gaps

39:43 The Power of Personal Stories in History

42:13 The Role of Journalism in Shaping Narratives

45:03 Legacy Media vs. New Media: Preserving Stories

50:33 Leadership and Inspiration in Community Work

58:33 Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

bayanonline.org

Subscribe to Bayan on demand at https://shorturl.at/wlQl7

Donate to the Muhammad Ali Scholarship at https://pages.donately.com/bayan/campaign/2028-endowment-campaign/donate

Learn more about Pillars Fund @ https://pillarsfund.org/

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms.

📲 Stay connected with us on Instagram and Facebook

Follow @TheAmericanMuslimPodcast for episode updates, highlights, and community reflections.

Follow host @ImamTariqElAmin for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and more.