November 8, 2011

In late October, MPAC hosted its first ever Young Leaders Program webinar on social justice featuring Iraqi journalist and hip-hop artist, Yassin Alsalman, more popularly known as the Narcicyst. 

Listen: MPAC's Young Leaders Program webinar with the Narcicyst

"Nothing happens overnight," said Alsalman. "We have to just keep pushing and find new avenues and always diversify our content. Make film. Make music. Make books. Make art." 

"Our voice has not been heard on that mainstream level yet. We have to think of alternative ways of presenting our causes. It's all about experience. All the pain becomes gain."

The webinar was a great success with 35 attendees, mainily composed of Young Leaders Summits alumni, university and graduate students and young professionals, enganging in conversation with Alsalman, who is known for his lyrics that address social, political and cultural issues. Participants said they enjoyed the event and opportunity to interact with such a prominent Muslim artist they admire and greatly respect.

Alsalman also is known for his partnership with Los Angeles' MC Omar Offendum to write and produce a song for the Egyptian revolution, "Hashtag January 25." The song received a lot of attention, from such media outlets as Vibe magazine and Al Jazeera. 

"It's a very ugly world we live in sometimes and you just have to be steadfast in your beliefs," said Alsalman. "Whatever they are, and you just have to hope for a better humanity and a better future for our children."

Every month, MPAC will be hosting a webinar in order to provide a platform for guidance, expression, and thought provoking dialogue for our Young Leaders as well as the general public.

-- Yasmin Hussein
(yasmin@mpac.org)
Young Leaders Program Coordinators