Neda Hamid
This interview is with Neda Hamid, a Palestinian Muslim and recent Human Development and Family Sciences graduate from the University of Texas at Austin. Neda speaks to Islam being a very important part of their life and the subsequent ramifications of being a highly visible hijab-wearing Muslim. Neda also navigates a shift in their leftist political identity and discusses how being surrounded by progressive-minded people in college was a stark contrast to their high school experience in Baytown, Texas, where they were born and raised. During college, Neda was highly involved with the Liberal Arts Refugee Alliance (LARA) as well as the Palestine Solidarity Committee. Neda would like to tie their life’s work to helping the local refugee community.
Constance Shabazz
This interview is with Constance Shabazz, a social activist, feminist, and speaker from Chicago. After learning about the health care disparities and injustice faced by the African American community during her time working for the Sickle Cell Foundation in New York, Constance decided to become a physician and advocate for others. Constance talks about how reading the Autobiography of Malcolm X helped align her spiritual beliefs with Islam and informed her opinions on providing free health care for all. Constance moved to Texas in 2016 and continues to organize around community needs.
Amanda Quraishi
This interview is with Amanda Quraishi, a Muslim convert and activist in Austin, Texas. Quraishi discusses her journey of converting to Islam and her story of becoming an activist within the community and beyond. She shares her perspective on the strength and challenges facing the Muslim community, including the power of masses and the importance of accepting pluralism.
Sarah Elsunni
This interview is with Sarah Elsunni, a Sudanese-American digital marketer living in San Antonio. Sarah was born and raised in Louisiana, where she attended Islamic School, fleeing to Texas after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She speaks to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the public school system as one of the few Black identifying and the only hijabi students. In college, Sarah had the opportunity to experience several study abroad trips that further solidified her appreciation for multicultural understanding and led to a passion for digital marketing in grassroots organizations. Sarah currently works for Malikah, a gender justice organization.
Mary Wilson
This interview is with Mary Wilson, a retired pastor and teacher who discusses her experiences from both occupations. Mary grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and has a background in education, first teaching junior high and later serving as an instructor at Austin Community College, upon receiving her masters in education. Mary was the pastor of The Church of The Savior for 18 years and holds a ministry doctoral degree. She also ran for a seat in Congress in 2017. In this interview, she shares formative experiences of her life, lessons from her time as a pastor and congressional candidate, and the challenges in her life, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sam Brannon
This interview is with Sam Brannon, who is the pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elgin, Texas. Sam discusses the fresh perspective he brings to the church. After three years of serving as their pastor, Sam has developed close relationships with the congregation, hearing their concerns and navigating their grievances with them. In this interview, Sam shares his own story, the inclusivity he preaches, and the new challenges of preaching during the pandemic.
Dan DeLeon
This interview is with Dan DeLeon, who serves Baptist congregations and has also been a youth minister for several years. Dan discusses growing in his theological beliefs and finally being a pastor at the Friends Congregational Church in College Station, Texas. Now, Dan and his community must learn how to stay connected, practice self-care, and worship during a pandemic. Friends Church has pursued several initiatives like spiritual care kits that were hand-delivered to every congregation member, quarterly newsletters, and Sunday zoom service.
Neil Thomas
This interview is with Reverend Dr. Neil Thomas. Reverend Dr. Neil Thomas is a well known reverend who has served as a pastor in the United Kingdom, Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX. Reverend Thomas is currently the pastor for the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, a member congregation of the United Church of Christ that strives to promote diversity and inclusivity. In this interview, Revered Thomas discusses his leadership and activism in the church and larger community. He shares navigating preaching during the pandemic, how the goals of faith have changed, and the new structure of church via Zoom. We learn through his insights, the connection and engagement found through faith and how the pandemic can reteach one’s relationship with God.
María Del Carmen Unda
This interview is with María Del Carmen Unda, a doctoral student and community organizer in Austin, Texas. Maria was born and raised in California, later moving to Texas when she enrolled as a doctoral student at the University of Texas at Austin. Through relationships with her professors, Maria was exposed to activist movements in Austin, inspiring her to join as a program coordinator at Academia Cuauhtli, a weekend cultural revitalization school. Maria shares her experiences as an activist, teacher, and her perspective on decolonizing education for students. She also discusses the ways in which the pandemic has affected Academia Cuauhtli and the community.
Rafael Aguilar
This interview is with Rafael Aguilar, an Austin-based educator and activist. Rafael talks about their experience with the American education system as a child, which caused them to begin questioning the country’s systemic injustices. They describe how as an educator, they expose students to intersectional information and encourage them to ask questions and think critically. Rafael also shares their experiences as an activist, particularly their support of racial justice, Palestinian liberation, and homeless rights.