Kismet, Ms. Marvel and the Evolution of the Muslim Superhero

This super exciting event examines the evolution of the Muslim Superhero in comics, including Kismet who appeared as early as 1944 and of course Ms. Marvel—a Pakistani-American 16-year old girl from New Jersey. 

This event seeks to raise awareness and foster discussion around Islamophobia and being Muslim in the United States/NYC through exploring Muslim superheroes in past and modern-day comics. 

Kamala Khan reflects the changing demographics of comics readership. She’ll have her own live-action series coming soon, and she has been making big news as a member of the Avengers in a new video game to be released this May. This event cuts across comics, film, screenwriting, video game production, pop culture in general, ethnic studies, religious studies, and more. 

Schedule:

12:30 | Introductions and Welcome

 12:35 | Ameena Ghaffa-Kucher, University of Pennsylvania: What’s “new” in Islamophobia?

 1:10 | A. David Lewis, MCPHS University: The Evolution of the Muslim Superhero

 1:45 | Questions and discussion Moderated by BMCC Faculty

Please RSVP using the form below as seating is limited.

For more information, contact Maureen T. Maturese at mmatarese@bmcc.cuny.edu.

Guest Speakers:

Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher, University of Pennsylvania, is a leading scholar specializing in the socialization and educational experiences of Muslim youth. Among her many projects, and especially pertinent to this talk, is her work as ethnographer for the Muslim Youth in New York City Project (funded by the Ford Foundation), and her position as an advisory board member for MTV’s Look Different Campaign, which aims to give youth tools for discussing and responding to (hidden) biases in society.

A. David Lewis is a graphic novelist, comics studies scholar, and college educator and administrator at MCPHS University in Arlington, Massachusetts. He is a leading scholar on Muslim superheroes and the representation of Islam in comics.

Sponsored by the BMCC Academic Senate and Subcommittee for Student Affairs
Co-sponsored by the BMCC Muslim Student Association

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