Readers like you power our journalism.

Your tax-deductible donation is critical to our mission of keeping you informed. Donate today to help continue this work.

$
$

Your contribution is appreciated.

To continue reading this article and others for free, please sign up for our newsletter.

Sahan Journal publishes deep, reported news for and with immigrants and communities of color—the kind of stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Unlock our in-depth reporting by signing up for our free newsletter.

Author Archives: Habon Abdulle

Dr. Habon Abdulle is the executive director and founder of Ayada Leads (formerly WOW Network), a nonpartisan civic leadership organization located in Minneapolis. Ayada Leads is committed to breaking barriers and fostering an environment in which new American women, particularly African diaspora women, are encouraged to lead and advocate for policies that positively impact their communities.
Posted inCOMMUNITY VOICES

Habon: Islamophobia is a political weapon to keep Muslim women from participating in politics. The way to beat it? Run for office.

by Habon Abdulle

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Representative Ilhan Omar faced a new slur from Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert. While Ilhan serves as a convenient target for anti-Muslim politicians and media figures, hate speech affects Muslims across Minnesota. Habon Abdulle, executive director of Ayada Leads, says the way to combat those forces is to organize African and Muslim women for civic leadership.