Nazia Kazi opens the Green and Gold speaker Series with observations about Islamophobia, racism and white nationalism on Sept. 17. (Photo courtesy of Nazia Kazi)

By Cynthia Hubert

Anthropologist and author Nazia Kazi will discuss prejudices and perceptions of Muslims and Islam next week as Sacramento State kicks off its 2019 Green and Gold Speaker Series.

Kazi, who teaches courses on race and inequality at Stockton University in New Jersey, will talk about Islamophobia, racism and white nationalism from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the University Union.

The Green and Gold Speaker series features scholars, artists, writers and others whose work reflects Sac State’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment, said John Johnson, director of the University’s Centers for Diversity and Inclusion.

“The speakers offer valuable content that may not be available in classes,” Johnson said. The series “provides students with exposure to individuals whose work is affirming and inspirational.”

Kazi, an assistant professor of Anthropology, has lectured around the globe on the topic of American Islamophobia. Her recent book, Islamophobia, Race, and Global Politics, explores connections between anti-Muslim racism, white supremacy, and United States foreign policy.

Johnson said Kazi’s Sac State appearance is timely in light of recent hate-related mass shootings in New Zealand and around the U.S.

“The killings in Christchurch, as well as the recent events in Gilroy, El Paso, and Dayton, are a reflection of major issues in our country related to bigotry, racism, and white nationalism,” he said. “We see this event as part of our work to create a welcoming and inclusive campus for all of our students, and an effort to counter propaganda that denigrates members of our beloved community.”

Kazi’s lecture is the first of three Green and Gold events scheduled on campus this year. The next speaker is Matika Wilbur, founder and director of Project 562, a photo essay presentation that features images of members of more than 300 tribal nations and helps document the many dimensions of Native Americans. Wilbur’s lecture, titled “Changing the Way We See Native America,” is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 5.