The Islamophobia Research Hub events bring together scholars, community leaders, activists, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights, and foster action against Islamophobia in all its forms.
Through public lectures, workshops, panel discussions, and community events, we aim to bridge the gap between research and real-world change. Sign up for our email list to stay up to date with how we’re creating spaces for education, collaboration and advocacy.
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Upcoming Events
Stories in Bloom: In Our Own Words with Timaj Garad, multi-disciplinary artist
Thursday April 2, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. | ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ
Co-presented with the York Research Chair II in Black Sonic Cultures
Timaj will be in conversation with Sytra Mohamed. The event will explore themes of Black Muslim life, creating space for our stories, and the role of artistry.
Timaj Garad is an Ethiopian-Harari Toronto-based multi-disciplinary storyteller, Arts Educator, and Community Organizer who uses poetry, theatre, and music to bring her stories to life. Her art is autobiographical, working at the intersections of a Black Muslim woman challenging injustice, unearthing truths, and healing. As an award-winning artist & arts educator, Timaj has graced over 400 stages and facilitated several arts-based workshops around the world. Timaj is the Founder of LUMINOUS Fest - Canada’s first Black Muslim arts festival, and Co-founder of The Sisters’ Retreat - a retreat series hosting local and international arts-based wellness retreats for Muslim Women. With rich lyrical landscapes, soulful vocals, and a unique blend of singing and spoken word poetry, her debut EP ‘Blooming at the Mouth’ offers listeners intimate, thought-provoking storytelling coupled with anthemic, lively hooks carrying undertones of hope.
Sytra Mohamed is a masters student in the humanities and an emerging multidisciplinary artist. Her research is centered in the east African Diaspora and thinking through themes of social currency, belonging, identity and place making. Outside of her academic research work she is a practicing Doula working with Black and Indigenous communities to help support advocacy in birthwork . Her goal is to one day bridge this work into policy change and help improve Black and maternal health outcomes in Canada.
Past Events
Beyond the Script: A Teach-In Against Islamophobia
Thursday, 29 January 2026 | 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. | ¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ
Black Muslim Refugee: Militarism, Policing, and Somali American Resistance to State Violence
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
