Muslim experiences and identities are beautifully complex, nuanced, and diverse. Muslims are expressing themselves in every genre. They’re writing, performing, sharing and reclaiming multi-faceted stories, reminding us there is no one way to be a Muslim writer. Join us for this exciting panel showcasing brilliant Muslim writers, NASRA, Nafiza Azad, Ayan Ismail, and Efemeral. Moderated by Amal Rana.
Event Type: Panel
Event Code: BEA/THU-2
Venue: Massy Books
Date: Thursday, March 12, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Cost: Pay What You Can (recommended: $12.50)
ASL Interpretation Available by Request Before February 15, 2020
Amal Rana is a poet and educator. Her poetry has been published in numerous journals and anthologies and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Ayan Ismail is a Black, African, Muslim Refugee-Settler on the stolen and occupied territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. She is an international studies major and sociology minor at SFU. When not deeply intrigued by decolonial poetry/art and African literature books, you can find Ayan gushing about basketball, acting and filmmaking, and organizing spaces that meaningfully engage Black youth.
Rooted in the rainy Pacific Northwest, Efemeral’s multilingual written verse and spoken word performance entwine her reflections on spirituality, language and the human psyche.
Nafiza Azad is a self-identified island girl. Her debut novel, The Candle and The Flame, was released by Scholastic in 2019.
NASRA is a queer, Muslim, Oromo multidisciplinary creator living in Amiskwaciy (Edmonton) on Treaty 6 territory. Their heartwork centres the liberation of Black and Indigenous Peoples everywhere.