‘Building Bridges’ Conference at UA to Focus on Islam

TUSCLOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama International Honors Program and the UA Muslim Student Association will present “Building Bridges Between Communities: A Forum Focused on Islam” March 9-11 on the UA campus.

Discussion in this forum will center on Islam’s primary texts and tenets, Islamic communities in the U.S., intercultural communication skills, and what puts barriers between communities. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and discuss key issues with Muslim students and faculty.

The forum schedule and speakers includes:

-Thursday, March 9, 7-9 p.m., 10 Alston Hall
Evita Byrd, interculturalist from the University of Virginia
Dr. Jamal Badawi, a leading speaker on Islam and the West from St. Mary’s University in Nova Scotia

-Friday, March 10, 2-6 p.m., 10 Alston Hall
Lecture by Dr. Badawi
Interactive session on stereotypes and preconceptions led by Bettina Byrd-Giles of UA’s Crossroads Community Center
Q&A session with Dr. Badawi

-Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 310 Bidgood Hall
Dr. Marsha Houston, UA professor and chair of communication studies
National president of the Muslim Student Association
Small group discussions
Lunch and a trip to the Masjid (Mosque)

The event is opened to all students, faculty and community members. A registration form can be printed from the Web site http://www.istuscaloosa.org/bridge/. Registration by March 5 is preferred for planning purposes.