Dearborn — Two Arab American authors with unique perspectives on aspects of life in both the Arab World and the United States will discuss their work at separate events at the Arab American National Museum next month.

From 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, Imam Hassan Qazwini will greet visitors and sign copies of his 2007 memoir, “American Crescent: A Muslim Cleric on the Power of His Faith, the Struggle Against Prejudice, and the Future of Islam and America,” (282 pp., Random House).

Imam Hassan Qazwini

A Shi’a Muslim born in Karbala, Iraq, Qazwini is the spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan, thought to be the largest mosque in the U.S. His memoir received a positive review in a recent edition of the New York Times Book Review.

From 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, Dr. Jack G. Shaheen will take questions and sign copies of his 2008 book, “Guilty: Hollywood’s Verdict on Arabs After 9/11.” (256 pp., Interlink Publishing). Following will be a screening of “Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People,” Shaheen’s 2007 documentary based on his earlier book of the same name.

Shaheen has been described by White House journalist Helen Thomas as a “one-man anti-defamation league.” The Pittsburgh native and former CBS News consultant on Middle East affairs lectures widely on damaging racial and ethnic stereotypes, particularly as they appear in mass media. 

Dr. Jack Shaheen

Admission to both events is free. The public is invited to attend; please RSVP to Fay Saad at 313.624.0200 or fsaad@accesscommunity.org. Copies of both books will be available for sale in the Museum Store during the events; attendees may also bring in their personal copies to be autographed by the authors.

The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans.  It serves as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country.  The Arab American National Museum is a project of ACCESS, a Dearborn, Michigan-based nonprofit human services and cultural organization. 

 

The Arab American National Museum is a proud Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The Museum is located at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and children 6-12; ages 5 and under, free. Please call 313.582.2266 for further information about he Museum and its programs.