Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad made history in the 2016 Olympics as the first female Muslim American to medal for the United States and the first American to compete in the Games wearing a hijab. But the athlete — who is an outspoken advocate for equality across gender, color, and religion — says her success doesn’t insulate her from the struggles and discrimination that Muslims Americans face.
Muhammad took the stage at the MAKERS conference on Tuesday afternoon. There, she joined gymnast Gabby Douglas for a chat with blogger Luvvie Ajayi about empowerment, representation, and athleticism. Muhammad spoke out about Trump’s travel ban. The executive order blocked thousands of refugees, immigrants, and visitors from seven predominately Muslim countries from entering the United States before it was struck down by a judge many days later. Muhammad revealed that she recently was “disheartened” and tearful to find herself detained at US Customs without explanation. She also weighed in on how Americans can be better allies to the Muslim-American community during this uncertain time.