Greensboro has a diverse population of Muslims who balance living and working in an integrated community with having places to worship, socialize, and educate their children into their belief system. Yesterday’s story hour at the International Civil Rights Museum featured the reading of A Party in Ramadan a book about Leena, a Muslim girl, who is so excited to be at a birthday party. However, Leena has to decide whether or not she will eat birthday cake since it is Ramadan and she is expected to fast. If you missed the reading, perhaps you can find a copy of Asma Mobin-Uddin’s book at the museum or a local library. The Muslim children of Greensboro confront dilemmas like Leena’s on a daily basis. 

The local Muslim community is more pervasive than many realize. According to the Islamic Center’s website, in Greensboro, Muslims outnumber Methodists (reference). The Islamic Center of Greensboro is open every day for five daily prayers and, according to their website, is happy to speak to groups about Islam. Also offering prayers is the Islamic Center on Martin Luther King Drive. There is an Islamic Academy on 16th Street and an Islamic daycare on East Market Street. As a final resting place, there is a 30-acre Muslim cemetery affiliated with the Islamic Center of High Point.

The woman in the photo above, self-identifying as a Muslim by her attire, was eager to take photos at Greensboro’s Fourth of July parade. Follow the link to learn the rich meaning behind these articles of clothing that veil her body from view. If you are new to GDP, see our other posts related to religion and spirituality here.