Social justice speaker addresses Islamaphobia in free speech April 20

Amer F. Ahmed, a national speaker known for addressing marginality and social justice issues, believes in respect and dignity for all people. The Ohio-born son of Indian Muslim immigrants has dedicated his life to engaging and facilitating diversity.

Central Washington University will welcome Ahmed on April 20 for a free presentation called Addressing Islamaphobia: Dispelling Myths to Break Down Barriers.

“We want to address Islamophobia and the perverse hostilities we are seeing nationwide,” said Michelle Cyrus, diversity officer for CWU’s Center for Diversity and Social Justice. “This topic is very important. And Amer’s appearance is an opportunity to showcase Central as a place where students can experience relevant, intercultural programs.”

Ahmed draws from his personal experience and insight to deliver an informative and thought-provoking speech that touches on racial profiling, hate crimes, and bullying. Participants can expect to learn about Islam and Islamaphobia — prejudice against Islam or Muslims — and how to counteract harmful stereotypes.

Ahmed is director of Intercultural Teaching and Faculty Development at University of Massachusetts – Amherst, a faculty member at the Summer and Winter Institutes for Intercultural Communication, and a member of SpeakOut: Institute for Democratic Education. He’s also a poet and hip-hop activist with a background in anthropology and black studies, and has studied abroad in South Africa and Nepal.

The Center for Diversity and Social Justice is sponsoring Ahmed’s speech at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 in the SURC Ballroom. Parking at CWU is free after 4:30 p.m., and on weekends, except in specially designated spaces and residence hall lots.

Media contact: Barb Arnott, CWU Public Affairs, 509-963-2841, BArnott@cwu.edu

April 15, 2016