Many of America’s prisoners have embraced Islam while incarcerated, and Muslims have also been active in caring for the social and religious needs of ex-offenders.  In this session, we explore what Islam has to say and what Muslims are doing about incarceration in America.

Keynote Speakers

Born on the South Side of Chicago, and trained in sociology at Langston University, Shamar Hemphill is an expert in civic engagement, community organizing, and youth development. In 2008, he began working for the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN), and now serves as one of the organization’s Associate Directors.

Dr. Harriet Lewis is Senior Director at IMAN, where she provides oversight to community/economic development initiatives. Having served previously as Executive Director of organizations serving women, small business owners, survivors of domestic violence, and youth, she has been recognized for her work by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts\’ House of Representatives.

Respondents

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kareem Bilal became a Muslim in 1975 and associates with various mosques in Indianapolis, particularly Nur-Allah.  For more than a decade, he has used his experiences in life and faith to help promote personal and spiritual transformation among incarcerated men at various Indiana prisons.

David Shaheed, J.D., retired from the Marion County Superior Court in Indianapolis in 2014. Named Advocate of the year by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition in 2006, he has presided over Civil Court 1 and, before that, Criminal Court 14 (the Drug Treatment Diversion Court and Reentry Court).

This event is free and open to the public, no tickets required. 

The Butler University Seminar on Religion and Global Affairs is a program of the Center for Faith and Vocation promoting understanding of interfaith and intercultural relations through the discussion of religious issues in global perspectives.