Our Stories

Personal stories can be a powerful catalyst for change – challenging stereotypes, building bridges, and inspiring action. In a country as diverse and complex as the United States, the identities of Muslim Americans remain layered and contested. We all have stories to tell: stories that deserve to be collected, conserved, and celebrated.

“Muslim American Journeys” is a MALA program produced in partnership with NPR’s StoryCorps and the Library of Congress, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality. Every story recorded is officially archived in the Library of Congress, and outstanding stories are featured on National Public Radio.

Browse the collection of individuals’ stories below. If you would like to participate in “Muslim American Journeys,” here is information on how to submit your story and apply to participate in a recording session.

Semira Ahemed: Triple Identity

Semira is a recipient of the 2018-2019 MALA Scholarship Program.  In accordance with MALA’s mission, this program awards scholarships to individuals demonstrate ambition, integrity, and leadership through the art of storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship opportunities, click here.  My parents wanted a son as their first child and fortunately for one week, their […]

Somaya Albadani: Roots to Success

Is a recipient of the 2018-2019 MALA Scholarship Program.  In accordance with MALA’s mission, this program awards scholarships to individuals demonstrate ambition, integrity, and leadership through the art of storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship opportunities, click here.  A family trip to Yemen was exactly what my dad thought we needed to keep in […]

Hassan Aboud: Opportunity From the Other Side

Hassan is a recipient of the 2019 Khan Memorial Fund Scholarship. Given in conjunction with the MALA Scholarship Program, the Khan Memorial fund awards scholarships to rising leaders who demonstrate bravery, integrity, and compassion in storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship Opportunities, click here. When I first walked off the plane and entered the […]

Zahra Memon: Bridging the Gap Between Two Worlds: Deaf and Hearing

Is a recipient of the 2018-2019 MALA Scholarship Program.  In accordance with MALA’s mission, this program awards scholarships to individuals demonstrate ambition, integrity, and leadership through the art of storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship opportunities, click here. “Hey, Papa, when is Ahmed coming home?” “Later,” my father said, his voice uneasy. “Can I […]

Faiza Mah: Fear of Death

Faiza is a recipient of the 2018-2019 MALA Scholarship Program.  In accordance with MALA’s mission, this program awards scholarships to individuals demonstrate ambition, integrity, and leadership through the art of storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship Opportunities, click here.  “I won’t leave you alone; hold my hand,” Bushra said in an unsettling tone. I […]

Rawan Alzubaidi: Six Countries, One Person

Rawan is a recipient of the 2018-2019 MALA Scholarship Program. In accordance with MALA’s mission, this program awards scholarships to individuals demonstrate ambition, integrity, and leadership through the art of storytelling. To learn more about MALA’s Scholarship opportunities, click here. It was dark inside and outside, the electricity used to go at least 5 hours […]

Samira Sadeque: To See In Infinites — How I Use Storytelling to Unlearn the World

Samira Sadeque is a New York-based Bangladeshi journalist and poet focusing on migration, the refugee community, gender, and mental health. She completed her M.S. in Journalism from Columbia Journalism School in 2017. Her work appears in Reuters, NPR, Al Jazeera, Quartz, The Lily, Scroll.in, and the Dhaka Tribune among other publications. Her poetry has been […]

Muzhdah Karimi: Education, Diplomacy, and Identity

Muzhdah grew up in Afghanistan under Taliban rule before immigrating to the United States. In her story, she discusses the importance of education, her passion for diplomacy, and her own journey to self-discovery. I am a college student, a research assistant for my professor, an intern at the U.S. Department of State, and mother of […]

Rozan Abdulrahman: Adjusting to a Fluid Identity

Rozan comes from a Kurdish family who received asylum in the U.S. after they fled civil conflict in Iraq. Here, she describes some of the obstacles she faced adjusting to life in the U.S., her career in healthcare, and the fluidity of identity.

Nooria Nodrat: Chasing Milesones, Pushing Forward

Nooria Nadrat discusses her journey as an activist in the blind community and shares words of empowerment.