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New customers, open a checking and savings account and you can get a polaroid cube recent Mass Shootings in california and paris, attributed to islamic terrorists, coupled with a Politicians Campaign proposal to keep muslims from entering the u. S. , has left many in the Islamic Community bracing for backlash. Joining us today to give us some insight on this important issue is aisha aladawiya, the c. E. O. And founder of women in islam, and iman boukadoum, director of Community Partnerships for the Interfaith Center of new york. Thank you both for being here and thank you for allowing me to nearly butcher your names. I apologize. Thank you very much. We so appreciate you taking the time to talk about this with us. I guess the first question id like for you both to address is donald trump and his continued, as many people have described it, hateful rhetoric, basically insisting that muslims not be allowed into the country. That, and how do you basically drown out that voice . You can start, aisha. Well, first of all, mr. Trump is really a very huge indication of the level of lack of knowledge in our country about what is permissible and what is not permissible, from a legal perspective. And its also a resurgence of the kind of bigotry and racism that certain segments of the community, specifically the africanamerican community, has grown almost accustomed to, sadly. And although we thought that this had gone away sometime now, its resurging, and i think its a time now for everyone, whether theyre muslims or not, to begin to amplify their voices that this kind of bigotry is not iman, would you like to add something . I just wanted to say that i echo everything that sister aisha said. And i just think that there are real consequences to those words. Those are not just empty words that he is putting out there for cheap political gain. There are truly real people on the ground that are suffering because of what hes saying. And when you talk about consequences, do you mean some of the assaults on people of the muslim faith . Exactly. When mr. Trump says bigoted, xenophobic, hateful things, it gives license to people on the ground to do horrible things to people who are perceived to be muslim or perceived to be latino or black or whatever. And it really is a terrible thing, because it breaks the fabric of america and it breaks our communities. So, i just want to say to him that, you know, what youre saying actually has real and one of the things, in much of the reading and the conversations ive had, is that some of the fear and the uncomfortableness is and you touched on it is because of ignorance of the islamic faith . You know, i think that part of the issue that we have to bring forward in our society is that islam is not new in this part of the world. Muslims have been here for centuries, starting with the transatlantic slave trade. So this is not a new phenomenon. We can question, where did it go, you know . And why are we now having this conversation about islam being this foreign entity, you know, in america . So, thats a conversation that we desperately need to have, now having to tell our children, you know, how to protect themselves, how to spot danger, you know, something very similar to how we were taught as africanamerican children how to protect ourselves against certain forces that were really out to harm us and that were lethal, you know, to us, like the kkk, for instance. Here. And education is key, always, in these kinds of situations. Well, one of the pieces of this conversation is some folks have suggested that those of the islamic faith whats happened in the religion and weve seen it with others is that a small, very, very small segment of people have, in a sense, hijacked the faith. And a lot of people, perhaps because of their ignorance or exposure, whatever you want to the faith, so as far as theyre concerned, that small segment represents the entire faith. How do you deal with that . Do you feel that you have any responsibility, as muslims, to separate yourself or make clear that these people have nothing to do with what the faith is really about . Mmhmm. I think that this is a very important question. So, after 9 11, everybody had a thousand questions about islam, as if muslims havent been here since the beginning, as sister aisha just pointed out. Muslims have been here since the beginning. But the reality is that there is a lot of ignorance about the middle east in general and politics in the middle east. What is happening what happened on 9 11 and what continues to happen in the middle east, with radical, violent groups who call themselves muslim is a political phenomenon. Issue that is now being framed, in various media outlets, as a muslim issue or an islamic issue. And thats really my Biggest Issue with the media, in many areas, is that they like to frame things in religious terms or in cultural terms, instead of saying, oh, well, whats happening in the middle east . Lets look at American Foreign policy in the middle east. Lets look at the realities of who we support, what the dictatorships in the middle east are fomenting on the ground and how the conditions on the ground are creating specific people that perceive injustice in certain ways and then are reacting against injustice, because thats really what terrorism is. The oxygen of terrorists is injustice. They perceive injustice and so they act out accordingly. And they dont have outlets and its a very complicated situation there. There are other factors, as well. But the reality is that these very complicated situation in the middle east and south asia and beyond, and we really need to do a better job of understanding those complexities and we really need to frame it as a political issue, not an islamic issue. And i think, for a lot of people in this country, whats happened is that they are fearful. Mmhmm. So you add fear to a lack of knowledge about the big picture, as i think youre pointing out, then youve got a really volatile situation. So, in the short term, what do you think the country and i guess we all need to do to really, essentially, say, look, were all in this together, and we dont want to find ourselves fighting each other and discriminating against each other, based on what these people are doing . I mean, how do you yeah, yeah. You know, its essential that that narrative for a moment and talk about the fact that communities are being torn apart. Neighbors are being turned against neighbors. Family members are being torn apart and against each other. Our children are targets in the their homes. So its a very scary time. Mmhmm. And we are also americans. I fully expect to be safe when i walk outside of the door into any building. So i get, you know, the fear of safety. I also want to speak to the fact that, as a society, we have a responsibility to not only talk the talk but walk the talk, as well. Outside for their abuses of peoples basic human rights, their human dignity, while we strip away those same dignities from our own citizens. So there is a cohesion that has to manifest itself. And, you know, we already know each other. Human beings are inclined to want to live together. We already live together. So to allow this toxic brew to create a situation where we turn against each other is not an option that we can afford. So, im quite optimistic, actually, that we wont allow this to happen. And we just have to continue showing up as decent, moral, ethical human beings on the planet and condemn abuses, by whomever they are committed. Thats our charge. I am so sorry to end the conversation, but im out of time. Thank you both for joining us this afternoon. We do need to keep talking about this. Thank you. Yeah. Still to come on here and now, a program thats giving firstgeneration College Students the tools they need to stay with us. Morning gary. We are get schooled. Dot com. You want a college education, dont you . You know you do. Were free, and here to guide you through every step of the way. Starting with. Attendance. [air horn] gary, Financial Aid forms. Picking a college, man you and us. We go together like tacos and tuesday. And i loooove tacos. Narrator go to getschooled. Com landing a job can be daunting for anyone, but for some firstgeneration College Students from lowincome families, theres often an extra layer of stress. America needs you helps these students realize their personal and professional dreams. Joining us this afternoon is the c. E. O. Of America Needs you and one of its founding members, kimberly harris, and a. N. Y. Alumnus Felix Navarro jr. Thank you both for being with us this afternoon. You walked in here with big smiles on your faces, both of us, and thats got to be because organization is doing. And i understand you are one of its big success stories, young man. Oh, thank you. Thank you. So, kimberly, ill start with you. Why did you feel there was a need for America Needs you . Absolutely. Well, thank you for having us here today. And ive been involved with the organization, as you mentioned, since the very beginning. So, back in 2009, we really wanted to find a way to better support firstgeneration College Students. Only 11 of firstgeneration students are expected to graduate. And while there are so many really wonderful programs that help students to get into college, theres very limited support once theyre there. I think the misconception is that once you make it to college, you know, thats the finish line. And it really isnt enough. In fact, getting a College Degree isnt even enough. So we really wanted to create a Robust Program focusing on mentorship, transformative mentorship, and intensive career development. In their second and third year of college, just as theyre thinking about their majors and their internships, and we help them to select, to secure, and to succeed in careers. So, we cover everything from r\sum\ writing to elevator pitches to cover letters, interview skills, as well as the softer skills that really make you successful once you enter the workforce, like public speaking and confidencebuilding. Its a really holistic approach. And its like a twoyear fellowship is my understanding. Its a selective program. We work with students, typically, at Community Colleges and other fouryear underresourced public schools, and we help them as they kind of navigate their career journey. But it is a selective program. We want to make sure that students can be committed to the program because it is so intensive. Our students are required to come out every other saturday for about six hours. And, felix, im teasing you, but i actually meant every word. Okay. You were one of the first students to go through the tell me about it. What was so special about it for you . And what do you think you gained . Sure. So, as you mentioned, it was in 2010 when i joined the program, and i think the first thing that struck me was being in an environment that surrounded you with people who really cared and were completely invested in your success. And that had a huge impact on me, because then i, myself, felt the confidence and the drive to do well. So, youre in college. Youre trying to figure out where you want to go, what you want to do after school, and youre just floating. But new york needs America Needs you were formerly new york needs you. But America Needs you really connects you to that career and gives you access to people who are in those careers that can tell you about what you need to do and what you need to know to get there. And is this assistance and help that you first, did you know you needed it when you first came out of school . And do you think you would have gotten it if America Needs you aid . I knew i needed it because it was a pretty tough time in my life, actually. I was actually considering joining the military and dropping out because of circumstances in my life. I mean, i was living on my own, and even with my familys help, it was hard to take on the responsibilities. I know your father was ill. Right, right. And, you know, they moved to florida. And ive been lucky to have great parents and extremely supportive parents, but i needed that extra push. Mmhmm. And i think that America Needs you did that for me. Now, would i have graduated . I think so, if i hadnt joined the navy. But would i have been where i am today . Probably not. And if you told me if i would be working where i am now five years ago, i would have laughed. So, tell us about where youre working now. Well, im currently at goldman sachs, in the compliance division. So, its been a great tide and its been a great first job out of school. And just to say, youre no slouch. You graduated valedictorian. Yes, i did. [ laughter ] but there are all these other factors that i think you pointed consideration when were talking about succeeding. Absolutely. So, if you think about the 11 of firstgen students that end up graduating and, more importantly, the 89 that end up dropping out, theyre not reasons. Theyre really dropping out for financial reasons and because they dont many students dont understand the longterm potential in school. So, one of our students who recently graduated and now is in graduate school she said, even though shes a straighta student, it was a struggle every day for her to wake up and go to school because of the pressure in her home. You know, school, for her, was an opportunity cost. She worked a retail job, she made minimum wage, but she was providing significant income to her family. All of our students are firstgens, first in their families to go to school, and also from lowincome families. So we have to kind of really think deeply about all of the opportunity costs that theyre making by persisting. I have so many questions. How do the students come to the program . Sure. So, right now, were in illinois. And, in new york, we have a partnership with the cuny system, so we only recruit students out of cuny. We have liaisons on all of the campuses. But whats been really, really inspiring to see is that our fellows are actually doing the recruitment for us. They see the value in the program and theyre going out and theyre telling their younger peers to get involved. And i think that, you know, what is probably one of the most impactful thing its really that mentorship relationship. Our mentors are Young Professionals. Were trying to recruit felix to be a mentor to our program now. Theyre Young Professionals and they dedicate over 200 hours of support over the program. So the fellows see that they have one person that they know thats completely dedicated to their personal success, academic success, and professional success. And how do you get you obviously need corporate involvement. Absolutely. You know, how do they come to be involved with the program . And was that a struggle at first or did you find companies sort of lining up to be part of this . It has been really interesting to kind of see the evolution of our Corporate Partnerships. We rely heavily on Corporate Partnerships for not only Financial Support but internships for our students, for volunteer opportunities. We recruit many volunteers from our Corporate Partners. And also inkind support. So, we have the workshops that we host every other saturday for about 6 to 8 hours we host them all around the city at corporate partner sites. So Students Walk into a beautiful skyscraper, where theyve seen it on the outside but never thought that they would belong on the inside. So, we rely on Corporate Partnerships a lot. And in terms of the evolution, it really started out when i my employer. Time. Went to my employer and begged them to hire a fellow. I said, hey, we have this new and innovative idea and model. Will you take a student . And they said, sure. Well do it as a favor. Then we found out that Corporate Partners were coming to us and saying, wow. We had a chance to meet one of your amazing students. We want more. And, so, weve really that our Corporate Partnerships as we expand in new york and nationally. Because they saw the value in the program. Felix, i want to ask you you know, what would you tell another young person that you see right in the position youre in . What would you tell them about this program in terms of what it would do to change their life . And lifechanging is exactly the way to say it. I definitely think that they need to realize that they have potential thats untapped. And what America Needs you will do for them is tap into that potential and help them realize it and build that confidence. And once they hit that, youll you. As long as you put in the work, America Needs you will connect that gap and put you towards your passion. Okay. Americaneedsyou. Org. You can find out information how you can help, how you can get involved . Absolutely. Yes. Please visit our website. There are so many different volunteer opportunities. We are always looking fo