All around the world, but particularly in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, Muslim founders in the diaspora are starting to mobilize and work together to ideate, create, staff up, and fund initiatives that seek to solve problems both inside and outside our communities.
But why do it as Muslims? Why not stay in the mainstream?
At the lowest end is familiarity. We retreat to safe spaces when we feel uncomfortable or threatened. But all that does is result in mediocre efforts and insular projects that make us slightly bigger fish in a 2% sized bowl.
At the highest end is bringing a confidence, small but easily navigable network, and commitment to excellence that we see in many individual founders, but not as a collective. (This is what we're trying to change with Kinship.)
In the last 30 years since creating Zabihah, I've found a lot to be disappointed in with Muslim founders, audiences, consumers, etc. But I've stuck to this ecosystem because I believe there is value hidden deep that, when unlocked, can benefit everyone. We're already starting to see that in politics, sports, culture, and more.
But first — hard conversations, stark truths, and lofty goals. Let's get to work.
See you at UMMAHCON on May 30.