CENTRE COLLEGE
October 12, 2021 | 0 COMMENTS |I am writing to express my strong support of The Salaam Network to be considered for a 2020 Atlantic Renewal Award. Since their launch in 2016, The Salaam Network has offered an incredible array public discussions, seminars, and educational events that have enriched the public understanding of critical issues facing our society today. Their work has continued to bring together diverse groups of people to think and talk about about difficult questions. In a world that is increasingly polarized along lines of religion and politics, it is urgent that groups like The Salaam Network find the support they need to continue.
I was honored to have been invited to speak at The Salaam Network’s inaugural event in 2016 along with numerous other scholars and community leaders. It was immediately clear that their events would provide a creative and unique space to discuss urgent social, religious, and political issues among community members with diverse experiences and perspectives. Their commitment to bringing people together for informed discussions has helped bridge the gap between our cultural divides. The Salaam Network has also helped bridge the gap between the academy and the public. Often referred to as the “town and gown” divide, there is a very real cultural disconnect between the public and those who teach in colleges and universities. Finding spaces for high quality discussion of issues that are not within the university setting is critical. The Salaam Network has been able to involve community members from all backgrounds and bring them together.
The specific emphasis on public understanding of Islam helps meet a specific need in our society today and helps set The Salaam Network apart from other interfaith organizations. Given the realities of American politics today and contemporary global events, the public misunderstandings of Islam and Muslims is painfully apparent. By centering their programming on diverse Muslim traditions and ideas, the participants consistently gain an experiential understanding of Muslims as partners in conversations rather than just the “other.” We need this work today.
When most Americans think of Kentucky, they do not think about diverse religious groups meeting to better understand critical issues of our day. The Salaam Network pushes against the social tendency that we all have to listen only to people who share our same opinion. The events at The Salaam Network have proved that dynamic and informed conversations about sensitive questions are still possible in our society today. I have regularly encouraged my students and other community members to attend and participate in The Salaam Network’s events. They have consistently found the events to be uniquely enriching and helpful.
The Salaam Network is meeting an urgent need in our society today. Their programs on Islam reach audiences that yearn for a public space to learn and talk about these issues. By bringing together diverse groups to think and talk about issues facing us today, The Salaam Network serves a role that is otherwise neglected. I urge you to consider awarding them the Atlantic Renewal Award.
Matthew Pierce [NEH Associate Professor of Religion]
CENTRE COLLEGE
November 17, 2019
