Su’ad Abdul Khabeer to speak on race, religion, and hip-hop on Feb. 27

Su’ad, a professor and Director of the Arab and Muslim American Studies Program at University of Michigan, will speak and perform based on her 2016 critically acclaimed book, Muslim Cool: Race, Religion and Hip Hop in the United States.

Elon will host University of Michigan Professor Su’ad Abdul Khabeer on Thursday, Feb. 27, for a lecture and performance exploring the intersections of race, religion and popular culture. Khabeer’s presentation will be based on her critically acclaimed book,“Muslim Cool: Race, Religion and Hip Hop in the United States. ”

University of Michigan Professor Su’ad Abdul Khabeer

Su’ad is a scholar-artist-activist, as well as the founder and Senior Editor of Sapelo Square, an award-winning website dedicated to the comprehensive analysis of the black Muslim experience in the U.S. In 2018 CNN recognized Su’ad as one of the top 25 influential Muslims in America.

CNN has said about Su’ad that “she defined ‘Muslim Cool.’ Su’ad … says perceptions of Islam don’t always fit reality.”

“Now more than ever we need to to build bridges of understanding with the Muslim world,” Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life Shane Atkinson said. “From her extensive studies at Abu Nour University in Damascus, to her PhD in cultural anthropology from Princeton, Dr. Su’ad draws upon her lived experience to educate us about the modern American muslim experience.”

Her performance will take place in LaRose Theater of Koury Business Center at 7 p.m. The event is free and all are encouraged to attend.

Su’ad’s visit is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society, Muslim Life at Elon, Elon Muslim Society, and The CREDE.