People are encouraged to attend a free “Discussion on Diversity” featuring Taneeza Islam of Sioux Falls on Wednesday, May 2, at Top Floor Events. This event had been postponed because of a spring blizzard.
An RSVP-only supper will be served at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation and a complimentary dessert at 6 p.m.
Please RSVP lunch reservations to Amy L. Bennett at jampyview@yahoo.com and provide your name and the number of guests.
A second-generation Muslim who was born in Michigan, Islam will talk about the Islam religion, as well as immigrants and refugees.
Taneeza Islam is an attorney who advocates for immigrants. She is also executive director and co-founder of South Dakota Voices for Peace and Justice and is a cultural diversity educator.
Islam, whose parents came to the United States from Bangladesh, said growing up she would hear about immigration issues that different families were facing.
“Many times people were not able to see their spouses and children, mothers or fathers,” Islam said. “I understood how painful that was for people, on a personal level. I also am a practicing Muslim and grew up in a very progressive Muslim community in Michigan.”
Islam said she always knew she wanted to go to law school, and her goal is to become the best advocate she can be.
“I believe the best way to overcome intolerance is to actually meet a person from the group that is being vilified,” Islam said. “I am the norm of what American Muslims are really like.”
