Free resource to foster congregational discussions about anti-Muslim sentiment

“Hawo’s Dinner Party” follows the story of a refugee and former nurse who has fled her native war-torn Somalia and now works at a chicken processing plant in rural Tennessee.  Dressed in colorful hijab even on the assembly line, Hawo is determined to learn English and to connect with her neighbors.  But as news of “home-grown terrorism” appears in the national media and as Hawo tries to reach out, we get an intimate glimpse into the honest, often uncomfortable and ultimately hopeful encounters that emerge.

Produced by Active Voice in association with the BeCause Foundation, “Hawo’s Dinner Party” is a video documentary designed to support dialogue and bridge building.  The video helps congregations have fruitful discussions about anti-Muslim sentiment.

Use this video in your congregation in an existing adult education class or youth group.  It can also be used in an interfaith setting.

The video is available at no cost for a limited time, as the video has been very well-received and copies are running out. To receive a free copy, contact Christina Warner, Campaign Director for Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Standing with American Muslims; Upholding American Values. Shoulder-to-Shoulder can provide you with resources to help plan your screening of the video and offer general support as you use this resource.

As part of NRCAT’s work to address anti-Muslim sentiment, NRCAT is committed to eliminate the distrust and prejudice that so hauntingly paints the backdrop of the film "Hawo’s Dinner Party." Society’s view of Muslims as “other” was one critical factor that led to the U.S. government’s use of torture in the last decade, and the majority of the U.S. government’s post September 11th detainees have been Muslim. By reducing anti-Muslim sentiment, NRCAT hopes to ensure that the dignity of each person is upheld and that torture is prohibited without exception.