The St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission (HRC) organized a meeting at Aquila Elementary School on Sept. 19 regarding a conversation and open-question session about Islam to community members of all races according to HRC leaders Katherine Arnold and Sara Garbers.

One of the panelists, Sagal Abdirahman said presenting in front of a diverse group of people was the focal point of the presentation.

“I think if everybody was the same, then nothing would change (in society),” Abdirahman said. “I think that’s important to (hold meetings), because at the end of the day, different perspectives allow a more open and understanding of conversation.”

Other speakers at the meeting included former United States Army Veteran and convert to Islam, John Emery, now a representative at the Islamic Resource Group within Minnesota, and University of St. Thomas Professor of Theology, Odeh Muhawesh.

According to Emery, speaking at group events is worth the effort in terms of making the country greater.

“I’m absolutely optimistic that the effort’s worth it,” Emery said. “I’m optimistic that it’s going to take some work, but eventually the concept of who is an American continues to get bigger and it’s going to be a better America for everybody.”

According to Garbers, this meeting reveals how important it is for everyone to have a say in voicing out their thoughts.

“I was really happy that we did it, and it was so grateful for the panelists, ” Garbers said. “I think tonight is a great example of that there are lots of stories that are important.”

Junior Gaidah Azem said clearing up false stereotypes helps every community member have a better understanding about Islam.

“Islam and Muslims in general are peaceful people, (and) the stereotypes with them (are) not true. If you read the Qur’an, it’s completely about peace and violence is not accepted at all,” Azem said.

Community member Mike Hindin said he was impressed with the community’s ability to interact with each other about this topic.

“(There’s) a lot of expert information from the panelists, a lot of engagement from the community that’s here, which means there’s a lot of things to get to understand each other better,” Hindin said.

Abdirahman said she felt honored to present her story and personal experiences to the community members.

“I really enjoyed giving my perspective on (things) and I specifically enjoy being asked to come here just because I like having those conversations and I like people listening to me in a sense,” Abdirahman said.
Abdirahman said the meeting was successful, but there are more things to do in order to establish diversity.

“I think that it was definitely a successful meeting. I think that we can definitely do more, of course it’s nice that we had this conversation, but I think that this isn’t the end and there’s a long road ahead of us,” Abdirahman said.