Ms. Naseem Umar (Masala Chat Project)

Description

Naseem Umar, 64, is an educator and dedicated community leader. The interview includes discussion of the obstacles she faced in getting employment that matched her experience after arriving in Chicago, but how she eventually became a pillar in the Gujarati Muslim community through the Chicago Public School system. She discusses the culture shock she felt as she navigated Chicago public transportation and the violence she had to keep her children safe from. Eventually she became the Gujarati translator for the school district and served as a mentor to immigrant students and teachers. Throughout the interview she focuses on how fortunate she has been and her commitment to be welcoming to everyone, especially newcomers. Other topics discussed include: completing the Hajj, community organizing in the Albany Park neighborhood, her student dance troupe, America’s treatment of Muslims, and the plight of undocumented immigrants.