Muslims in America: Identity, Diversity and The Challenge of Understanding

In 1914 Andrew Carnegie founded the Church Peace Union, later renamed the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs, which was dedicated to promoting world peace. The Union was truly ecumenical in the religious affiliations of its trustees and enabling members of different faiths to work together for the common good was, Carnegie said, " ... a step forward toward the coming brotherhood of man."

In June 2001, Carnegie Corporation brought together important representatives from the many Muslim communities in America to discuss the challenges and opportunities posed by the growing number of Americans who practice Islam. Later, these representatives were given voice in a Carnegie Challenge Paper by author Sam Afridi called Muslims in America: Identity, Diversity and the Challenge of Understanding. A summary of the meeting itself can be read by clicking here.

In the aftermath of September 11, the Corporation affirmed its commitment to bring an informed and rational understanding of the complexities and contributions of the Muslim community. With the knowledge that most Americans received nearly all their information about Islam from the media, two discussions with panels of Moslem experts were organized for journalists. The two discussions focused on how Islam is covered by
journalists.

On November 28, 2001, the American Journalism Review co-sponsored a discussion at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Participating on the panel: Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development, University of Maryland at College Park; Caryle Murphy, staff writer for the Washington Post; Loren Jenkins, senior foreign desk editor for National Public Radio; and Hisham Melhem, Washington correspondent for As-Safir in Lebanon, Al-Qabas in Kuwait and Radio Monte Carlo. Judy Woodruff, CNN anchor and senior correspondent, moderated. A transcript of that discussion can be read by clicking here.

On November 29, 2001, an audioconference for journalists was held featuring Akbar S. Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies and professor of international relations at American University; M.S. Muqtedar Khan, director of the International Studies Program and assistant professor of political science at Adrian College in Michigan; Aminah B. McCloud, associate professor of Islamic Studies at DePaul University; and Sam Afridi, author of the Carnegie Challege Paper and former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. Susan King, vice president, public affairs for Carnegie Corporation, was the moderator. Listen to the discussion by clicking here to access an MP3 file.