American Muslims: 250 Years of Contributions - Film and Conversation

For over 250 years, American Muslims have enriched American life, but many of those stories are unknown. Join us for an evening of film, conversation, and community.  Here's the good news: from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, you don't have to imagine those stories — you get to hear them, directly from one of the producers.  MCC, in collaboration with Unity Productions Foundation, presents scenes from The Great Muslim American Road Trip — a nationally broadcast documentary about Muslims who helped shape America, brought to life with live commentary from Executive Producer Jawaad Abdul Rahman and a Q&A where you get the mic.  UPF Executive Producer Jawaad Abdul Rahman will speak about the stories of American Muslim builders, bakers, and skyscraper makers as Jawaad takes us through UPF's Great Muslim American Road Trip film. Brother Jawaad will also deliver the 1:30 and 2:30 Jumu'ah sermons at MCC on Friday, Aug. 21. This isn't just a movie night. It's a room full of neighbors, a filmmaker's untold stories, and a chapter of American history most people have never heard.  For over 250 years, American Muslims have enriched American life, and this is a rare evening to discover those stories together — film, conversation, and community, in one room. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 | MCC Conference Room | Mcceastbay.org/America | Join in person (due to copyright issues, this event will not be livestreamed) This event is for anyone who is curious about American history or who believes in peaceful coexistence between faiths.  We’ll be exploring answers to questions like the following:  How does the history of Muslims tie into America's history as a whole?  How has the faith of Islam been practiced?  How have Muslims cooperated with people of other faiths in America? What are their views toward our collective future as Americans?   The approach is less academia…more adventure.   Questions? [email protected] How much of America's story is still hiding in plain sight? As part of America 250, join us for a film screening of The Great Muslim American Road Trip, an award-winningfilm that follows a couple traveling historic Route 66 in search of America's Muslim roots. What begins as a classic American road trip soon becomes a journey of surprising discoveries. Along the way,they encounter stories of unlikely pioneers, like the architect who helped shape the American skyline, the camel driver who helped map the American Southwest, the link between West African and American art, and much more. They also meet tech entrepreneurs, doctors, and creatives shaping the future. Filled with memorable characters, roadside adventures, and plenty of humor, the film offers a fresh look at what it means to be American—and how people of many backgrounds have helped build this nation. Come discover a side of American history you may never have heard before, but one that has been part of our shared story all along. Oh the places you’ll go…snapshots from the Muslim Road Trip So where will you go and who will you meet and what will you see at the American Muslims 250/Road Trip Film screening event ??? Mona, an artist, and her husband Sebastian, the “cute couple” who take you on the journey on Historic Route 66, one of America’s first major highways. Alya, a corporate lawyer turned date farmer, who will share how Ramadan is affecting the American palate. A professor at the home of Abraham Lincoln who will help you see connections to Islam in America that may surprise you. The boxer Muhammad Ali’s daughter Maryum, can you see the resemblance? Just wait till you hear her story. A Christian Pastor and a Muslim activist sharing the story of an American tragedy, and ultimately, a path to reconciliation. The amazing and unlikely connection between Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, a Middle Eastern camel driver, and Route 66. A real-life picture of what happens inside a small-town American mosque, and what the faith of Islam calls for. A jazz musician who makes interesting connections between Islam and his art form. An oasis of goodness, the Al-Maun Center, in Sin City. This Muslim guy, who is a student of knowledge, but umm..why is he spinning on his head? The Dome of the Rock…in America? Good times and good vibes mixed with real-life lessons and profound insights. This event is for anyone who is curious about American history or who believes in peaceful coexistence between faiths.  We’ll be exploring answers to questions like the following:  How does the history of Muslims tie into America's history as a whole?  How has the faith of Islam been practiced?  How have Muslims cooperated with people of other faiths in America? What are their views toward our collective future as Americans?    The approach is less academia…more adventure.  Why Your Muslim Teen Should Join Us Dozens of communities nationwide have screened UPF’s Great Muslim American Road Trip Film and whil...