What is it Like to be a Black American Muslim Woman?

Here’s an imaginary dialog:

Q: Are you just another angry Black Muslim woman?
A: No, I’m not JUST another angry Black Muslim woman.
Q: So, you’re angry then…
A: Sometimes, we all have something to be outraged by.
Q: So, why why the title?
A: What do you think?
Q: Why are you drawing on the stereotype?
A: Why do you think I have the question mark? That’s because I leave it up to my readers to decide. People are going to make their pre-judgments anyways. But if they read on, perhaps they’ll think about these issues in a different way.

I hope to write about issues that relate to me, and hopefully some of you. Don’t be surprised when I write about some uncomfortable topics. In addition to writing about my personal experiences, I will write about racism, colorism, sexism, classism, regionalism, and all the “isms” that shape our experiences. Some of my entries may be me thinking out loud as I work through a difficult issue. I try to be respectful, but my aim for honesty and candor will override political correctness. I appreciate your feedback, especially if you engage with my ideas and provide thoughtful commentary or questions. You don’t have to agree with me, I just hope that you understand where I am coming from.

I am interested in how different people approach various issues. So, please share your personal experiences. They are often very insightful. I have a limited perspective that is shaped by my subjectivity as an educated Black American Muslim woman who grew up in a working class multi-cultural community. My experiences transcend race, class, and religious affiliation. I will talk about the ways race, class, gender, and religious identity intersect in my daily life. I believe we can learn from each other. I am interested in how your experiences and multiple identities shape the way you see the world.

While my academic training places me in the category of the educated elite, I do not subscribe to elitism. I welcome dialog with people of all classes and levels of education. I came from a single parent household and a working class background. I have known failure, I have known success, I know about struggling, I know about the ease that follows hardship. With the Grace of God, I’ve experienced what it’s like to overcome obstacles and I have many more obstacles to overcome and I have a lot of growing to do.