Pala Band of Mission Indians Indigenous-led media and community
With the theme “Unity is key,” Muslim Journalist Sister Charlene Muhammad joined a diverse and unique group of journalists at a special gathering that highlights the importance of different voices and the varied stories that reinforce the fabric of America.
Sister Charlene made a journey, some would call it a pilgrimage, to attend “Indigenous Wisdom Through Media Heals Humanity and Turtle Island” at the Pala Band of Mission Indians in California on January 27. Initiated by Rose Davis, the esteemed Black and Indigenous Publisher and Editor of the San Diego-based Indian Voices through the Indigenous Network.
For Sister Charlene, it provided a creative resting place and revival.
“It is necessary to rest, especially as one who intakes, absorbs, and distributes so many stories, hopes, pains and passions, of many people. But sometimes, one is only able to rest in work, because when the call comes, it comes, and we must respond. We must be there for one another, she adds.
“This gathering was critical. This moment is special. It is to strengthen coalition-building and Indigenous-led media, reporting through a lens of healing and unity. Unity is key.”
Sister Charlene noted that the attendees represented an extensive contingent of media community members from the general public, Indigenous radio, podcasts, and social media. The purpose: “answer a call to create a unified voice for the community.”
The importance of creating a unified media community
According to Hafiz M. Ahmed in his Islamic Economist article, “Why Do We Need More Muslim Journalists Globally?”, The most underrepresented groups in journalism are Muslims. As he describes it, “Journalism is often called the fourth estate, a watchdog that holds power to account. But how effective can it be if it excludes the voices of 1.9 billion people? Muslim journalists bring a critical perspective to issues that directly affect their communities, from discriminatory policies to international conflicts.”
Muslim Journalists and Native American/Indigenous Journalists lack depth and representation in the media. This glaring fact of the disparity for Muslim Journalists is a worldwide crisis.
“Imagine a world where the only stories told about your community are written by outsiders,” Ahmed adds. “This is the reality for many Muslims. From the hijab to halal food, from Ramadan to geopolitical conflicts, Muslim experiences are often narrated through a lens that is not their own.”
“The result?” he explains, “Misunderstandings, stereotypes, and a distorted view of an entire faith and culture. Muslim journalists bring an insider’s perspective. They understand the nuances of their communities—the joys, the struggles, the traditions.”
Sister Charlene Muhammad’s kindred spirit with the plight of the Native American/Indigenous Media (NAIM) community provided her an opportunity to bring her own cultural perspective to the table and take away a renewed commitment to Independent media and her role as a storyteller.
“It was an invitation to all writers and artists involved in the media, working and non-working, to gather on sacred grounds, to share stories and encouragement,” she said
“ I found myself longing to get to the land, and kept saying and praying that when I returned to Southern California, I wanted to go to be with my Indigenous brothers and sisters, to visit with them, on their land,”
“I wanted to go high, go far, and be able to see wide swaths of land, to reconnect with nature and to commune with The Creator, to clear my mind, to rejuvenate, to level up and double down on my work. That is reporting, telling stories, connecting worlds, building communities.”
That says it all.
Meta J. Mereday is an award-winning journalist and development consultant with an extensive background in diversity, media and communications, marketing, healthcare, entertainment, community outreach, veteran advocacy, and cultural awareness. Meta freelances for the DiversityComm Publication Group; was former Editor at Large with the Savoy Media Group which publishes Savoy Magazine and Multicultural Law Magazine. She is a featured contributor for a number of business enterprise publications including Minority Business News-USA, NV Magazine, Black Professionals Magazine, and All About Sports as well as online publications and blogs.
Reprinted from: Now Here This, News for Veterans By Veterans
