Muslim Woman Reaches Out to New Orleans Community

November 28, 2002

Source: The Times-Picayune

On November 28, 2002 The Times-Picayune reported that "ever since the Sept. 11 attacks in America by Islamic extremists, Aneela Shuja of Kenner, a Muslim, has been on a mission to dispel the stereotypes and fear in the community about people of her faith. 'I felt somebody had to speak up or something bad was going to happen,' Shuja, 42, said. 'It is a calling for me. I have been encouraged to do this.' She's traveled around New Orleans talking at local public and Catholic schools and churches, to priests and politicians to create an understanding about the fundamentals of Islam and the peaceful nature of her religion and her people... She challenges audiences, especially at the high school level, to look at other nationalities without prejudice by asking them whether she would be a different person if she wore different clothing, if her skin were a different color or if she talked a different way."