RSU to Host Lecture on Islam and Mainstream Muslims

Sheryl Siddiqui, director for American outreach and community relations for the Islamic Society of Tulsa, will give a lecture about issues surrounding Islam on Wednesday, April 11, at Rogers State University in Claremore.

Siddiqui’s talk, titled “Islam: What the Media Doesn’t Tell You,” is part of the Communications and Fine Arts Invited Speaker Series and is scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Will Rogers Auditorium.

Following her presentation, Siddiqui will lead a discussion about issues raised in her talk at 12:10 p.m. in Baird Hall, room 107.

Her presentation will focus on mainstream Muslims and their identity, beliefs and American agenda. The presentation will help the audience discern cultural traditions from religious teachings, and review how political agendas and a media frenzy have misled the general public.

Siddiqui was born, raised and educated in Massachusetts, graduating from Salem State College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working for six years in emergency rooms in New Jersey and Wisconsin, she retired to “work twice as hard” as a wife to Dr. Ali Siddiqui, mother to their three sons and volunteer in the community.

Her volunteer efforts have been in the fields of education, First Amendment rights, domestic violence, mental health, disaster mitigation and interfaith understanding. Her awards include the Tulsa Red Cross’ 2001 Humanitarian Award and the Tulsa Chapter of the Association in Women in Communications 1999 Newsmaker Award.

This event is free and open to the public. More information is available by contacting Dr. Juliet Evusa, RSU assistant professor of Communications and Fine Arts, at (918) 343-7677.