Amer Ahmed is scholar, intercultural diversity consultant and college administrator. He is also an acclaimed spoken word poet and Hip Hop activist.
His engaging multi-media presentations, which include "Islam: Beyond the Myths, Breaking Down the Barriers," are truly transformative, addressing a range of critical questions that are especially important in the current climate of prejudice and bigotry toward Muslim people in the United States:
- What are the tenants of the faith and who are its followers?
- What implications does a lack of knowledge of Islam and Muslims in the United States have on our campuses, in our workplaces and communities?
- How do advocates for diversity, social justice and inclusion challenge the dominant narratives about Muslims framed by popular media?
Born in Springfield, Ohio, to Indian Muslim immigrants, Amer has dedicated his life to engaging and facilitating diversity across human difference. His education, world experiences and his Indian-Muslim-American upbringing help him understand the need for respect and dignity of all people.
During Graduate School at Indiana University, Amer became integrally
involved in the Hip Hop Congress, the largest grassroots Hip Hop
organization in the United States (www.hiphopcongress.com).
Following
his graduate studies, Amer served as Director of Intercultural Programs
at Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and later at Concordia College in
Moorhead, MN. His education, global experience and prominent role in
the Hip Hop Congress assisted him in addressing pressing issues of
diversity on these campuses. He served as an Associate Instructor and
PR Officer for the Muslim Student Union (during 9/11) and helped open
up important discussion and dialogue regarding Islam in a post-9/11
context, both in the world and in the U.S.
Amer strives to be
an i
nspiration to young people who see purpose in the pursuing of their
ideals. He stresses the need to identify one’s own talents and
abilities to reach positions in which we can enact what he calls
“Realistic Idealism.”
Today, he currently serves as Co-Chair of the
Board of Directors for the Hip Hop Congress and his work continues to
prove that the Hip Hop generation has an opportunity to shape its own
future through passionate energy and a dedication to create effective
positive change.
Throughout his career, Amer has consistently
addressed how all forms of social injustice impact traditionally
marginalized communities. In addition, he bridges this work with the
field of Intercultural Communication with a focus on a developmental
approach to Intercultural Competency. Such approaches have been useful
in his work in Organizational Assessment and Development, workshop
facilitation, public speaking as well as Leadership and Student
Development. Amer is continuing this work at the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor where he serves as Associate Director for the
Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs.
Photo above left courtesy of Gonzaga University, Photo By Raja Bose
