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Muhammad, Ibtihaj. Proud My Fight For An Unlikely American Dream. Proud shows a woman overcoming obstacles of life. Free press 2018.

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In Small town new jersey, Ibtihaj had felt like she had lived in two separate worlds. On one hand, she is a young Muslim girl navigating the challenges of adolescence, struggling to fit in and find her voice amidst the pressures of societal expectations. On the other hand, she is a talented fencer, passionate about the sport and determined to succeed at the highest level. 

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<img src="https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/muhammad-toddler-ht-hb-181003_hpEmbed_11x16_608.jpg" alt="Take it from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad: 'It's not easy being the  first' - Good Morning America">

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Ibtihaj also known as Zay begins to explore her passion for fencing, despite encountering numerous obstacles along the way. As Zay's love for fencing grows, so does her determination to succeed in the sport. She joins her local fencing team, where she meets an eclectic group of teammates who challenge her perspectives and broaden her horizons. Simultaneously, Zay grapples with the societal pressures and prejudices she faces, particularly as a Muslim girl wearing a hijab. Through her fierce determination and unwavering belief in herself, Zay learns to navigate these challenges, finding strength in her faith and the support of her loved ones.

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<img src="https://s.abcnews.com/images/GMA/muhammad-teenager-ht-hb-18103_hpEmbed_17x16_608.jpg" alt="Take it from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad: 'It's not easy being the  first' - Good Morning America">

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As Zay's athletic career progresses, she catches the attention of Coach T, a renowned fencing coach who recognizes her immense potential. Under his tutelage, Zay's skills flourish, and she begins to set her sights on qualifying for the Olympics. However, her dreams are tested when she has a falling out with Nani and faces the devastating loss of her beloved grandmother, Bibi.

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One powerful example of Ibtihaj's commitment to finding strength within herself is when she recounts her experiences with bullying as a child. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, Ibtihaj often felt like an outsider because of her race and religion. She vividly recalls instances where she was mocked for her hijab and subjected to hurtful comments. Instead of allowing these experiences to break her spirit, Ibtihaj uses them as fuel to prove her worth and succeed against all odds. To confront this adversity, Ibtihaj focuses on her love for fencing. She finds solace on the fencing strip, where her skills and determination are what matters, not the color of her skin or the piece of fabric on her head.                                                                                             "Success is not just about personal achievements, but also about using our platforms and voices to uplift others and make a positive impact in the world." pg (29) Ibtihaj wants to use her voice to mean something, she doesn't have to have a medal to be a winner.

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Strength To Keep Pushing                Quote #1

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Strength To Keep Pushing                Quote #1

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Through her journey, Ibtihaj also emphasizes the importance of having a support system. She shares how her parents constantly encouraged her to embrace her identity and pursue her dreams wholeheartedly. Their unwavering support gives her the strength to face discrimination head-on and never doubt her capabilities. In one particularly poignant moment, Ibtihaj recounts a time when her father reminds her that she doesn't have to prove herself to anyone but herself. This reminder becomes a guiding force throughout her journey, pushing her to reach for the stars even when she faces obstacles. In addition to her own personal experiences, Ibtihaj also shares stories of fellow Muslim women who have made significant contributions in various fields. From photography to fashion design, these women showcase the power of embracing one's unique identity and turning it into a source of strength. 

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<img src="https://wp.usatodaysports.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/2016/07/c03_fencer_b_23_72343816-1.jpg" alt="A Muslim fencer broke stereotypes, but now she wants Olympic gold | For The  Win">

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Ibtihaj's story is not merely about triumphing over personal struggles; it is a call to action for societal change. She recognizes that her successes and accomplishments are not just for herself but for the entire Muslim community, breaking down barriers for future generations. In an era where xenophobia and Islamophobia are prevalent, Ibtihaj's message serves as a powerful reminder that diversity should not be feared but celebrated. In conclusion, Ibtihaj Muhammad's book "Proud" is a testament to the power of embracing one's unique identity and finding strength within oneself. Through personal anecdotes and stories of others, she illustrates the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.

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Ibtihaj Muhammad's book, Proud, is not just a memoir of her life and accomplishments, but also a powerful lesson in the significance of representation and breaking barriers in traditionally exclusive spaces. Throughout her fencing career, Muhammad constantly felt the absence of individuals who looked like her and shared her experiences. This lack of representation motivated her to become a trailblazer for others and to use her platform to make a difference. One of the most notable examples of Muhammad's commitment to representation is her journey to become the first Muslim-American woman to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympics.

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The impact of her achievement goes beyond personal success and extends to the larger Muslim community. For a long time, Muslim women were often underrepresented or misrepresented in the media and society as a whole. Muhammad's presence in the Olympics challenges these narratives and demonstrates the power of representation. Her story provides hope and inspiration to aspiring athletes who were previously relegated to the sidelines, showing them that they too can succeed and excel in their chosen fields. Moreover, Ibtihaj Muhammad's experiences highlight the broader issue of lack of diversity and representation in various industries. She recognizes the importance of including diverse voices and perspectives in decision-making processes to create a more inclusive society. 

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Muhammad's voice is particularly influential because she speaks from firsthand experiences. As an African-American Muslim woman, she has faced numerous challenges and prejudices throughout her life. Whether it was dealing with stereotypes, discrimination, or the pressure to conform to societal norms, Muhammad has had to navigate through a world that often did not recognize or respect her identity. By sharing her personal journey, Muhammad exposes the barriers and biases that exist in various industries and institutions. She calls for a change in the status quo, urging those in positions of power to actively seek out and support underrepresented individuals.

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One particularly poignant example that Ibtihaj recounts is an incident at an airport where she was mistaken for being a threat due to her appearance. As a Muslim woman who wears a hijab, Ibtihaj often faces the burden of prejudice and discrimination. This encounter not only showcases the unfortunate reality that individuals like Ibtihaj face on a daily basis, but it also sheds light on the broader issue of profiling based on stereotypes. By sharing her personal story, Ibtihaj humanizes the experiences of many who have been unfairly targeted and marginalized due to their appearance or religious beliefs. Through her book, Ibtihaj empowers readers to challenge these stereotypes head-on and work towards breaking down societal barriers                                "In a world that constantly tries to box us in and label us, it is important to carve our own paths and define our own identities." pg (113) Ibtihaj isn't only here to win, shes here to prove everyone wrong. A woman of  African decadence that is in fact hajabi is  able to  play.

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The Airport Incident                            quote #2

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The Airport Incident                            quote #2

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The importance of representation is another key takeaway from "Proud." Ibtihaj herself became the first Muslim-American woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab, and she recognizes the significance of breaking barriers in traditionally exclusive spaces. By defying expectations and excelling in her sport, Ibtihaj became a powerful role model for others, especially young girls who may have felt limited by societal expectations. Through her achievements, she showed that it is possible to pursue one's dreams and succeed, regardless of the stereotypes and prejudices placed upon them. In addition to personal stories, Ibtihaj also discusses the importance of ally ship and support from the wider community. She emphasizes that creating a more inclusive society requires the active participation and support of individuals from all backgrounds.

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there are several actions that we can incorporate into our daily lives to promote inclusive, embrace diversity, and celebrate our unique identities. One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of education and awareness. We can start by educating ourselves about different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. This can be done by reading books, watching documentaries, or even engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. By expanding our knowledge, we can break down stereotypes and actively challenge biases.                  "Pride is not just about winning medals or achieving success; it is about embracing who you are and standing up for what you believe in." pg (123)  This means a lot as Ibtihaj isn't only here to win, shes here to make a stand, to show why and how she is different.

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Pride Inst Always Winning             Quote #3

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Pride Inst Always Winning             Quote #3

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<img src="https://usopm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Ibtihaj-Muhammad-1440x810-1.jpg" alt="Ibtihaj Muhammad becomes the first Muslim American woman to win Olympic  medal| U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum">

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Another important action is to actively listen and engage with people who have different perspectives and experiences. It's crucial to create a supportive and safe environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected. By doing so, we foster an inclusive space that promotes dialogue and understanding. Additionally, we can make a conscious effort to challenge discrimination and stand up against injustice. This could involve speaking out against racist, homophobic, or sexist comments, or advocating for change within our communities.                                                "Get your gear on." pg (123) This is it, Ibtihaj had made it. Shes finally been noticed. All her hard work was not a waste.

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Sexism                                                     Quote #4

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Sexism                                                     Quote #4

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By being an ally and using our privilege to uplift marginalized voices, we contribute to a more inclusive society. Furthermore, it's essential to teach the younger generation about diversity and acceptance. We can do this by exposing them to different cultures, languages, and traditions through books, films, and activities. By instilling empathy and understanding at a young age, we promote a future generation that embraces diversity.                                     "She never gave up,  and neither can you" pg (157-158) Ibtihaj was close to giving up  at a certain moment in life, but peter helped her out. She was a vessel to women all around just like her. She had to push through to show people like her were capable. 

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Younger Generation                            Quote #5

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Younger Generation                            Quote #5

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Another action we can take is to actively support and promote organizations and initiatives that advocate for exclusivity and equality. Whether it's donating to causes that support marginalized communities or volunteering our time to organizations, our contributions can make a positive impact. Moreover, it's important to actively reflect on our own biases and privileges. This involves acknowledging and challenging any preconceptions we may have and actively seeking to unlearn harmful stereotypes. "Don't carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them." pg (186) Ibtihaj is a great person, this quote proves that. She wants to be someone to look up to, not to look away from.

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Organizations and Initiatives          Quote #6

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Organizations and Initiatives          Quote #6

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By constantly questioning and educating ourselves, we can cultivate an environment where everyone feels accepted and valued. Lastly, practicing self-love and acceptance is crucial in promoting inclusivity. It's important to embrace our own identities and celebrate our unique qualities. By doing so, we encourage others to do the same and create a positive ripple effect in our communities. "No two things have been combined better than knowledge and patience" pg (201) This quote resembles Ibtihaj. This is because shes never given up. Shes been a person that's been patient and pushed through.

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Educating Ourselves                          Quote #7

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Educating Ourselves                          Quote #7

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Ibtihaj Speaks about her coach. Coach Kenneth was the first person ever that Ibtihaj sought as a mentor. Coach Kenneth was always there for her and pushed her through especially during rough times. Kenneth was arguably one of the best in the sport.  "Coach Kenneth had led the men's team to  finals." pg (213) She mentioned this fact as she thinks of Kenneth as one of the best.

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Coach Keeth                                         Quote #8

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Coach Keeth                                         Quote #8

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It was time for the nationals, but there was one problem. Ibtihaj had a sprained ankle.  She didn't want it to effect her game though, so she pushed through the games. Comes practice she is not able to do anything as she is prone most of the time due to the sprained ankle.  "I don't want you  trying to be super girl, when you are not" pg (221) This shows how great her support was. The  people by her side didn't want her to continue to hurt herself even if it effected the team.

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Your Not Super Women                     Quote #9

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Your Not Super Women                     Quote #9

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During this last segment Ibtihaj gets very angry.. She is in pain,  but the coaches wont take her serous at all. She feels as if no one cares or even wants to know whats wrong. They want her to play at 100% even though she is hurting and can barely stand. "I don,t need you to believe i'm injured, you  saw me fall and you've seen me walk.  I'm not okay." pg (222) She finally lets her emotions out. She is done being played with. She lets them know she is a person that also happens to have a voice.

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Empathy                                              Quote #10

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Empathy                                              Quote #10

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Ibtihaj ends up  winning the nationals. After speaking up  she becomes recognized not only by her pears but coaches too. She is finally famous, as she becomes an inspiration for many like her to come. Ibtihaj never lost focus of her goals, shes fell off her path, but made it back on. In the end she got what she deserved.

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Hijabs In Sports                                 Source #1

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Hijabs In Sports                                 Source #1

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Ibtihaj Muhammad: Hijab and triumph at the Olympics | Generation Sport

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Click on box to see New York times as it explains of how Ibtihaj became who she is.

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New York Times                                  Source #2

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New York Times                                  Source #2

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Difficult Journey                                 Source #3

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Difficult Journey                                 Source #3

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Ibtihaj Muhammad is The First Fencing Barbie | My First | TOGETHXR

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Always Being Different                   Source #4

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Always Being Different                   Source #4

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Ibtihaj Muhammad - Lead With Love: Player's POV

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Making History In A Hijab                Source #5

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Making History In A Hijab                Source #5

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Ibtihaj Muhammad: Making History in a Hijab