“The Daily Show’s” Aasif Mandvi and actor Rizwan Manji to host A Conversation on Race

The two will discuss "Cultural Production: Reshaping the American Muslim Narrative.” Mandvi, who self-identifies as an "Indo-Muslim-British-American," will bring a comedic touch to the series as he talks about his experiences as an immigrant and the intersectionality of race, religion and other identities.

Both Mandvi and Manji have backgrounds in comedy: Mandvi has been featured as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” since 2006 and has appeared in movies including “The Internship” and “Million Dollar Arm.” His new book, “No Land’s Man,” was released November 4. Manji is an actor known for his work on NBC’s “Outsourced” and the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street.”

Kristin McDonough, coordinator for Greek Life, collaborated with the Office for Student Engagement and UM-Dearborn alumni from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding to bring Mandvi and Manji to campus.

“I hope students gain a new insight into the American Muslim narrative by attending this event,” she said. “The Conversation on Race series allows UM-Dearborn to showcase our commitment to inclusion and exploring all identities and perspectives. Mr. Mandvi and Mr. Manji will add to our collective knowledge and understanding of ourselves as racial beings by sharing their own life experiences with our community.”

“Cultural Production” will be held in the University Center’s Kochoff Hall at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and tickets can be picked up at the Office for Student Engagement (2136 University Center).

Conversation on Race is a participatory educational process that seeks to bring diverse members of our community together for the purpose of improving the campus community's racial climate by engaging in honest guided dialogue on race and racism in America. Each COR helps attendees develop a better understanding of themselves as racial beings in a social context, better critical thinking skills, and personal meaning in regard to the roles race and racism play in our personal and professional lives.

“Cultural Production” is sponsored by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, the Office for Student Engagement, and the Office of the Chancellor. For more information on this and future diversity-related events, contact the Office for Student Engagement at 313-593-5390.

The University of Michigan-Dearborn does not necessarily endorse speakers’ views.