Our 7 Neighbors: Religion and Resistance in America · InterReligious Institute at Chicago Theological Seminary

Season 1: Ep. 3: Immigrant Matters

·31 min·2 clips

Sumai admits she lied about having a dream, then discovers her calling to fight for Afghan women's rights.

This episode of "Our 7 Neighbors" focuses on immigrant and refugee experiences in America, hosted by Kim Schultz from the Interreligious Institute. Guests include Sumai Maqsoudi, an Afghani refugee resettled in Georgia; Hoda Khatabi, an Iranian Muslim fashion activist in Chicago; and Suzanne Salool, founder of the Syrian Community Network. Sumai recounts her initial fears of American hostility and her transformative work experience at Refuge Coffee Company in Clarkston, Georgia. She describes arriving without a clear dream for her future, a feeling she attributes to long-term refugee survival mode. Hoda Khatabi gives a tour of Blue Tin Productions, an immigrant and refugee-run apparel manufacturing cooperative she founded. She reads a letter from an intern stating "honest radical change is underway in the fashion industry" starting in their Chicago studio. Hoda argues that current refugee resettlement programs set a dangerously low bar by focusing only on basic survival jobs like McDonald's. A key insight is Sumai's realization that her preconceived fear of Americans mirrored the fear some Americans might have of refugees due to media portrayals. Hoda claims fashion is inherently political, citing how her choice to wear a hijab daily involves conscious risk assessment. She critiques movements that seek representation within existing systems instead of working toward full abolition of those systems. Suzanne Salool reflects on how both Sumai's and Hoda's stories highlight the need for community support beyond initial resettlement agencies. Suzanne notes the economic and cultural value immigrants add, using the proliferation of ethnic restaurants in Chicago as a prime example. She shares her personal experience of the hijab becoming a politicized symbol of resistance, especially after 9/11 and the Trump-era travel bans. The episode includes a conversation between Suzanne and Rabbi Dr. Rachel Mikva, who analyzes the language used to justify state violence, such as calling incarceration "justice" or bombing "freedom." The tone is conversational, personal, and openly activist, blending narrative storytelling with ideological critique. It is educational in its detailed look at specific community organizations and cooperative business models. Listeners interested in grassroots activism, ethical fashion, and refugee resettlement narratives will find this episode compelling. Those uncomfortable with critiques of capitalism, U.S. foreign policy, or the refugee resettlement system might choose to skip it.

As heard by us

A grounded look at immigrant and refugee life, Muslim identity, and community organizing.

Immigrant Matters brings together Sumai Maqsoudi, an Afghani refugee recently resettled in Georgia; Hoda Khatabi, an Iranian fashionista and community organizer in Chicago; and Suzanne Salool, founder and executive director of the Syrian Community Network.

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Why you'd press play

Press play if you want immigrant and refugee stories that connect faith, fashion, and community organizing.

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