Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Considine.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was a young, naive boy when the attacks of 9/11 happened. I fell into the trap of thinking that Islam and the Muslim world attacked us on that day. Concerned that the U.S. was in danger, I decided to study Arabic and the Qur’an at American University in Washington, DC to see why something like 9/11 happened in the first place. Then my life changed forever. I met an Islamic scholar from Pakistan who turned my life upside down. I quickly learned about the compassion of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, and the great diversity found within the global Muslim population. On the first day of that professor’s class, I decided to embark on a life that focused on gaining knowledge, and Islam became my portal to that knowledge. I have since been to hundreds of mosques in the United States and the world. I have been in the homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship of Muslims in the hope of becoming their friend and serving as a bridge between people of different faith backgrounds.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a public intellectual that tries to explain complex historical and contemporary issues in a way that is understandable to people that may not have a lot of knowledge about particular issues. To accomplish this goal, I serve as an author in various communities. I write books that tackle misperceptions and stereotypes of Muslims and frequently give public lectures at universities, places of worship, and community organizations. The craft of public speaking and oratory is a passion of mine. I speak to inspire people to see the better side of human beings. With that said, I also face a lot of criticism and negative backlash from people who are not so welcoming to Muslims or tolerant of Islamic traditions. My goal is to reach those people and help them recognize our humanity.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
As an author and public speaker, I have learned the importance of serving as a public intellectual, or a person that makes a contribution in academic circles but also the wider society in general. Academics and scholars today can do more to leave their academic bubbles and enter into “common” spaces wherein they can relate their books and articles to people that may not have a lot of knowledge on a given subject.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My books can be accessed on Amazon.com. I frequently use social media and share my publications and public speaking events to the world. People can support my work by following my accounts, sharing my posts, and encouraging their local community leaders to host me for a book signing or speaking event.
Contact Info:
- Website: craigconsidinetcd.com
- Phone: 7135347770
- Email: craig.m.considine@rice.edu
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcraigconsidine/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craigconsidinetcd
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CraigCons
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9TmN3CQI6wN910XvP0cwcw
Image Credit:
Miriam Santamaria; (Islam, Race, and Pluralism…): The Rabwah Times; (four person panel): Muslims American Society; Miriam Santamaria; (three person photo): Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; (at pulpit): Miriam Santamaria
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
