The Spokane community is invited to engage in a conversation with peace activist and speaker Rais Bhuiyan (he/him), who is speaking virtually at the Spokane Community College Hagan Center at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022, via YouTube.
About the program
The SCC Hagan Center invites speakers from across the world to join the campus community each winter and spring. Rais Bhuiyan, an American Muslim from Bangladesh, is known for telling his story as a victim of a white supremacist attack in the aftermath of 9/11.
The attacker had been hunting for “Arabs” and perceived Muslims, though not one of his victims turned out to be from the Middle East. Despite being shot in the face, Bhuiyan survived, but two other victims did not.
Remarkably, not only did Bhuiyan forgive his attacker, but he also spent months trying to save him from death row. In the years following the attack, Bhuiyan has advocated for peace, forgiveness and compassion.
Bhuiyan’s free presentation will be followed by an interview session with SCC Dean of Arts and Sciences Gwendolyn Cash-James and an audience Q&A. Attendees can watch here.
About Rais Bhuiyan
Bhuiyan has shared his story of resilience and reconciliation worldwide. He recently started a nonprofit called World Without Hate, dedicated to preventing and disrupting hate and violence through empathy and storytelling.
His story is chronicled in “The True American: Murder & Mercy in Texas” by Anand Giridharadas. In 2017 he delivered a TEDx Talk organized by Emory University in Atlanta.
At a Glance
What: Hagan Center Speaker Series with Rais Bhuiyan
When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Join: http://scc.spokane.edu/live
Cost: Free