SALAAM, NEIGHBOR! Meet the Lady Next Door

An Exhibit about Arab and Muslim-American Women in Shoreline, WA

Thanks to Our Supporters and Partners:

North Seattle Family Center Staff & Sisters

Produced by Lee MozenaZenith Communication, LLC

This exhibit is an Associated Program of Shunpike

Copyright 2012 by Lee Mozena of Zenith Communication, LLC

WELCOME TO SALAAM, NEIGHBOR! It’s frustrating to see a group marginalized or made invisible - this Project is my response.

I understand the scarf is a controversial and complex symbol; but the woman wearing it is real and a lot like me. My goals are to increase cross-cultural dialogue and:

1)Inform people who are perplexed or curious about Islam and Muslim Americans

2)Reduce Islamaphobia; and thereby civil rights infringements.

Thanks to the Sisters who shared their time and hearts with me. It was an honor and fun!

Lee Mozena Zenith Communication

Your tax-free donation to www.shunpike.org will pay for Salaam, Neighbor! Copyright 2012 by Lee Mozena of Zenith Communication, LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1- Muslim / Muslim American FAQS

PART 2- Meet the Sisters

PART 3- About the Scarf

“SALAAM” IS ARABIC FOR PEACE

Muslims are expected to pray five times a day

MUSLIMS ARE FOLLOWERS OF ISLAM

TRADITIONAL ISLAMIC GREETING

Assalamu Alaikum(Peace be upon you)

Walaikum assalam (And peace be upon you)

PART 1- WORLDWIDE MUSLIM FAQS-

http://www.factbook.net/muslim_pop.php

WORLDWIDE MUSLIM FAQS-

The majority of Muslims are not Arabs

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

Indonesia has the fastest growing Muslim population

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

An estimated 7 million Muslims live in the U.S.

65% of adult U.S. Muslims were born elsewhere

19% have come to the U.S. since 1990

Source: Pew Charitable Trust

UNIQUELY DIVERSE & COMPLEX

Muslim Americans are especially diverse; representing every ethnic group, nation, culture and level of practice.

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

20% of U.S. Muslims are African-American converts

Source: Pew Charitable Trust

VOCATIONS OF MUSLIMS AMERICANS

1. Student 20.2%2. Engineer 12.4%3. Physician/Dentist 10.8%4. Homemaker 10%5. Programmer 7%

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

At least 75,000 Muslims live in the region

Courtesy City of Shoreline

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

Many have lived in the region for decades

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

The majority of Muslims in Washington are from Somalia

Other nations include: Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bosnia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Lebanon and Morocco

KING COUNTY MOSQUES -

They’ve built about 30 mosques in the region

WHY THE PUGET SOUND?

“It is particularly attractive to Muslims who, like many others, are drawn to the hot high-tech job market and quality of life, as well as the region's tolerance of diversity.”

Islam Today

Courtesy City of Shoreline

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

Muslims enjoy sports and a variety of outdoor activities

Courtesy City of Shoreline

MUSLIM AMERICAN FAQS-

Most consider themselves to be part of the mainstream

Courtesy City of Shoreline

PART 2- MEET THE SISTERS

ACTIVITIES OF THE SISTERS GROUP Monthly Support Group for Women Sisters’ Swim Program at Meadowbrook Pool Volunteering for Lake City Food Bank Eid and Ramadan celebrations open to the public

THE SISTERS GROUP FORMED IN 2002“Teach us to swim, our children are drowning”.

The Sisters’ first project was to give Muslim-American families greater access to community pools. Women of all faiths now attend these monthly swims.

MEET THE SISTERS Born in Libya, 22 years in the U.S. Coordinator/Muslim Sisters Group, B.A.,pursuing M.A. in Arabic and Islamic Studies, married, mother of 3 Enjoys swimming, going to parks and visiting with friends

People here are very welcoming. I feel comfortable, safe and supported by my neighbors and the staff at my work. This is the best area for me.

Ibtesam

MEET THE SISTERS Born in Egypt, 15 years in the U.S. A.A., Business major/student, home-maker, married and mother of 3 Enjoys reading, cooking, bike riding

“Helping people makes me happy - to see the smile on their face. What makes me sad is ignorant people - ones who ask stupid questions or give me a dirty look and say,‘go back to your country’.

It breaks my heart to hear a little kid say to my son, ‘you’re a terrorist’.”

Radia

MEET THE SISTERS Born in Alaska, USA

College student, Public Health, Single

Enjoys camping, hiking and swimming

“I’m a simple person. I’m corny, the smallest things make me smile.

I’ll never be rude to someone even if they deserve it. I can’t bring myself to be mean and in your face. I’m forgiving.

I want my neighbors to we're friendly people. You can come and say, "hi“.

Hager

MEET THE SISTERS Born in Seattle, converted 30 years ago College student, Healing Touch Practitioner, widow and mother of 3 Enjoys knitting, quilting, reading and playing with animals

I’ve never had anyone be unkind or racist, even when I wore hijab- maybe because I look like a typical American. And I’ve been treated well by the [New American] Muslims here.

I miss wearing my scarf and being identified as a Muslim.

Diane

A medical condition now prohibits her from wearing the head scarf

MEET THE SISTERS Born in Montana, converted 30 years ago M.Ed./Community College Instructor, married and mother of 4 Enjoys reading, visiting with friends

“ People think of anti-Semitism as being prejudiced towards Jews. In fact, it means a dislike of any Semitic people- and that includes Muslims.

We all have to work together to make this a better world for our children.

Catherine

PART 3- ABOUT THE SCARF

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Followers of many faiths cover their heads as a sign of submission to God

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Head scarf, (hijab), can hold many meanings. It may be a source of power, respect and reflect Islamic pride.

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Modesty, (of body and spirit) is expected of both genders in Islam

A MONK’S PERSPECTIVE

“The cowl I wore as part of my habit…was a ritual covering of my head, a small form of retreat.”

Thomas Moore

ABOUT THE SCARF-

People cover their heads for many reasons

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Modesty standards vary among Muslims …

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Just as they do for most women

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Many devout Muslims don’t wear a head scarf

THOSE WHO DO ARE OFTEN ASKED:

Aren’t you hot in that thing? Do you wear it in the shower? Do you have cancer? Are you bald?

ABOUT THE SCARF-

Is this custom part of your cultural or religious heritage?

I want everybody to be open minded, to not hesitate if they have any questions about me, my culture, my religion- things that seem strange, or actions that make them wonder.

Have the courage to come and talk and have an open conversation, so we can understand and respect each other.

If you know where I come from and my culture, I’m sure you’ll have a clear idea about me – don’t go according to what you hear about Muslims in the media.

You’ll see, we’re just people like you.

THANK YOU! To learn more about Zenith

Communication please visit www.zenithcommunicaiton.com or call Lee Mozena at 206/368-9608.