Obaid Zia
This interview is with Obaid Zia, a pharmacist living in New York City. Obaid compares the Muslim communities and diversity present in the different communities in which he has lived, including Houston, TX. He describes the profiling and prejudice he experienced after 9/11, especially when traveling. He discusses his personal experiences of religion and the role Islam plays in his life today. Obaid also shares his experiences of being active in his high school’s Muslim Students Association and of participating in protesting following the 2017 Muslim ban.
Wajiha Rizvi
This interview is with Wajiha Rizvi, an attorney and writer living in Austin, TX. Wajiha tells the story of growing up in a small Shia community just getting its footing in the DFW area. She talks about the Partition of India in 1947, how that event impacted her family, and the lasting effects of intergenerational trauma. She shares details about the book she has written about the Partition and her journey toward becoming a published author. Wajiha also discusses her education and career as an attorney and the social activism she participates in.
Rhyma Castillo
This interview is with Rhyma Castillo, a journalist whose work focuses on the systemic challenges that face underprivileged communities. Rhyma speaks about the path and social concerns that led her into the field of journalism and how she believes in using her platform to speak for those whose voices are suppressed. She details her experience during the polar vortex, describing its impact on communities of color as well as her own mental health, in contrast with its lessened cost to the wealthy and privileged. She closes by speaking against ideas of profit over people and in favor of community engagement.