Muslims' America- Muslims in American Politics Part 2

After the terrorist attacks of Sept 11, 2001, Muslims in America felt the overwhelming need to inform non-Muslim Americans about themselves and their religion. While interfaith activities have been a significant part of the effort to dispel myths about Islam during the last ten years, some Muslims in America have stepped into politics to give a voice to their community and to also show that they are as American as anyone else.

In this episode of Muslims' America, Saqib-ul-Islam takes us to three different cities in Michigan to meet three American Muslims of South Asian descent that are making strides in local politics:

Kalamazoo is the largest city and predominantly white city in south west region of the Michigan state. This city has been electing a Pakistani American named Naseem Ansari for the last 10 years as a county commissioner. Naseem Ansari has been active in the city politics since 1997. In 1999 he was elected council member but he ran for county commissioner 2001. And this year he got elected 5^th straight time.

Hamtramck, Michigan is a small 2.1 sq. mile city nestled between Detroit and Highland Park, cities which have both gone through economic hurdles long before the national economic downfall. But Muslim population in this city grew ever since and once a 90 percent Roman Catholic population has now about 40 percent Muslims. And this has resulted in a 50 percent Muslims presentation in Hamtramck city council. Shahab Ahmad, an immigrant from Bangladesh, was the first ever Muslim council member who was elected in this city and he also presented the ordinance to broadcast the Call to prayer from the mosque on the loud speakers.

Canton is Michigan's second largest township and it also has a growing Muslim population. Syed Taj was elected as the Township Trustee in year 2008. He was on the same ballot paper with president Obama and first ever democrat, and non white and Muslim immigrant to be elected in Canton Township. Syed Taj and Immigrant from India, aims for Congress in the coming elections

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• Muslims' America' Saqib Islam
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• Muslims in American Politics