Sacred Connections: Deepening Dialogue Between Black Christians + Muslims

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1)

“O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another.” Qu’ran 49:13.

If you’re a Black Christian or Muslim faith leader, community member, or scholar, and these sacred words resonate with your heart and spirit, this invitation is for you.

Have you ever longed for deeper connection between Christians and Muslims—or felt that your understanding of one another has been shaped more by distance than by dialogue, more by assumptions than by shared stories? If so, please join the Muslim Wellness Foundation (MWF) and Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) on Saturday, May 10 at 10 am CST for a gathering designed to deepen understanding, foster connection, and build bridges across our communities using research.

Exploring Black Christian Views of American Muslims is a research study by MWF and ISPU that aimed to gain insight and understanding into how those views are formed, and to identify impacts on interracial, intraracial, and interfaith dialogues. One participant in the study shared, “I think there's a surface knowledge of Muslims, or Islam, but not a depth to it... Most of our exposure comes from the Malcolm X movies of the book, or the brothers on the corner, some of that. But I don't think there's been that much intentional, in-depth exploration of the Muslim tradition.”

This gathering, which is designed based on findings from the completed study, will create opportunities for learning, reflection, and a plan of action as members of the same community. The day will include:

• Hear research findings: Learn key insights from the Black Christian Views of American Muslims study
• Interactive Learning Sessions: Engage in thoughtful dialogue and reflection with community leaders and scholars.
• Building Bridges: Develop strategies for fostering stronger interfaith relationships and tackling challenges together.

Speakers and presenters include:

• Rev. La Tonja Ellis, Rev. Grant Memorial AME Church
• Rev. Stephen Thurston, Pastor, New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church
• Rev. Mishca Russell, Regional Manager of Spiritual Care at Trinity Health
• Ayesha Mustafaa, Editor of the Muslim Journal newspaper
• Dr. Imam Bashir Ali, Midwest Section Convener and National Convener of Imams
• Dr. Kameelah Mu’Min Oseguera, Principal Investigator | Founding Executive Director, Muslim Wellness Foundation
• Petra Alsoofy, ISPU Senior Outreach and Partnerships Manager Comment end

Please confirm your attendance by completing the brief registration form. Limited spaces are available, so early registration is encouraged. We look forward to your presence and contribution to this meaningful dialogue.

This event is free and meals will be provided. Attendees will receive a small stipend for their participation after the event. This event is supported by Grant Memorial AME Church and Midwest Section Convener and National Convener of Imams in association with the Community of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

Note: Information in this registration form will be shared with ISPU and MWF for future communications. This event will be photographed and recorded for promotional, educational, and archival purposes. By submitting this form and attending the event, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed and recorded.

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