The Berkeley-based Islamic Scholarship Fund seeks to increase American Muslim representation in media, policy, and film. Since 2009, they’ve awarded $1.5 million in the form of undergraduate/postgraduate/law scholarships as well as film grants, Congressional internships, and fellowships. We sat down with their program manager, Omar Elsayed, to discuss the organization, representation, and how to sleep better at night.Focusing on sectors likely to impact public opinion the most, ISF’s mission is to combat Islamophobia and promote equality. What started as a mere scholarship fund now tracks whether recipients go on to have impactful careers in the same subjects. The growing organization provides mentorship, education, networking, etc. to support these scholars, who in turn give back to the community—in essence an orbit of change makers gaining infinite momentum.Omar has faced Islamophobia throughout his life and feels blessed that his personal and professional missions align. With hindsight and a bit of dark humor, he relays an early incident when a bully accused him of being a terrorist and channeling his inner gamer in a retort. He volunteers his nerdy adolescent fantasy of being a hero bringing justice to the world and angsty teenage tendency to lie awake cringing about both grievances and self-doubt (we can relate).These days he sleeps well, in part because of that early lesson that hateful behavior is learned and not personal. He asks how religious we can get [as much as you like, Omar] and shares a favorite story of the Prophet and forgiveness. He asks how personal can we get [very!] and says he now tries to understand and love the bully, whether that’s seventh-grade Stephen or a Trump supporter.We ponder whether it’s worse to wrong someone in Islam than other religions, and touch on the “uncle mentality.” We celebrate how memories of grown men gathering to drink tea, smoke, and collectively complain can incite equal & opposite reactions, and consider anew how advocacy in a systemic, institutional way may effect more and lasting change (hereafter known as the long game of social justice).Students interested in ISF scholarships can find the latest info here (deadline: 4/5/21). Omar remains fiercely private but encourages you to check out some of the amazing recipients: CNN Digital journalist Alaa Elassar; filmmaker and past AMP guest Razi Jafri; Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch, Omar Shakir; Rashida Tlaib’s Legislative Fellow, Mustafa Alemi; Emmy-award-winning Justin Mashouf and his latest documentary, The Honest Struggle. Finally, he reminds us of some recent positive media coverage about Muslims.

American Muslim Project is a production of Rifelion, LLC.Writer and Researcher: Lindsy GambleShow Edited by Mark Annotto and Asad ButtMusic by Simon HutchinsonHosted by Asad ButtLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices