Aisha H. L. Al-Adawiya and Women in Islam, Inc. collection, circa 1960 -- 2020

Creator:
al-Adawiya , Aisha (Sister Aisha)
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers and records of Sister Aisha al-Adawiya, co-founder and executive director of Women In Islam, Inc., documenting her various efforts relating to Islam, gender equity, conflict resolution, cross-cultural understanding, and social justice, as well as Muslim and Black community life in New York City, interfaith organizing for social justice causes in New York City, small scale Muslim women's publications (newsletters, magazines); and local and small scale Muslim newsletters across North America. Includes correspondence, administrative and organizational materials, published materials, mixed media, and personal materials.
Extent:
50 linear feet 50 linear feet; 50 boxes
Language:
English .
Scope and content:

This collection contains the papers and records of Sister Aisha al-Adawiya, co-founder and executive director of Women In Islam, Inc., documenting her various efforts relating to Islam, gender equity, conflict resolution, cross-cultural understanding, and social justice, as well as Muslim and Black community life in New York City, interfaith organizing for social justice causes in New York City, small scale Muslim women's publications (newsletters, magazines); and local and small scale Muslim newsletters across North America. Includes correspondence, administrative and organizational materials, published materials, mixed media, and personal materials. Correspondence includes handwritten, typed, and printed email correspondence, including from Muslim listservs. This collection also contains material from al-Adawiya's husband, Aziz Rahman, including manuscript drafts and research material on halaal and haram, and personal correspondence and materials; as well as material on other business ventures in which al-Adawiya participated, including World Trade Forum, Inc. and Anglo-Arab Trading Corporation.

Biographical / historical:

Aisha al-Adawiya (1944- ) is the co-founder and was an executive director of Women in Islam, Inc., an organization of Muslim women which focuses on human rights and social justice; coordinated acquisitions of Islamic material for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and ran several small businesses with her late husband, Aziz Rahman. She organized and participated in conferences and other forums on Islam, gender equity, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural understanding in New York City and around the world, and served as a board member and/or consultant to numerous interfaith organizations and documentary projects on the Muslim American experience. Aisha al-Adawiya is also an organizer for and speaker on social justice issues including the domestic and global war on terror and its effect on Muslims and the Global South, racism and anti-Blackness, Palestine, anti-war, human rights, and natural disaster relief.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Onsite storage.

Terms of access:

Some material in this collection may be protected by copyright and other rights. Information concerning copyright, fair use, and reproduction requests can be consulted at Columbia's Copyright Advisory Office.

Preferred citation:

Item description, AWTS: Aisha H. L. Al-Adawiya and Women in Islam, Inc. collection, circa 1960-2020, box #, The Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Columbia University in the City of New York.

Location of this collection:
Burke Home Page
Before you visit:
Researchers must book an appointment at least 5 business days in advance to view special collections material in the reading room. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to one item per hour of appointment time.
Contact:
burke@library.columbia.edu