Yale Black Muslim Student Association

Mission

The goal of the Yale Black Muslims Students Association (YBMSA) is to establish an affinity space that welcomes and celebrates the intersections between Black and Muslim identities. We hope to create a comfortable environment for Black Muslims at Yale in which we can engage in discussion and action about issues and topics that are pertinent to our community and the overall well-being of all communities.

Student Leaders

Fthia Yousif – Co-Coordinator/Co-President Amira Ibrahim – Co-Coordinator/Co-President

Activities

YBMSA New Haven Islamic Center Volunteering Program Direct Service The YBMSA New Haven Islamic Center (NHIC) Volunteering Program highlights our values of inclusivity and education and is an impactful community service initiative that focuses on providing mentorship, academic support and growth, and building interpersonal connections with the local community and children. Our committed volunteers participate in one-on-one and/or group tutoring, offering personalized academic support to children at the New Haven Islamic Center. Beyond academic support, this program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, where volunteers serve as role models and trusted guides to assist the young children in all areas and subjects. We offer workshops and activities designed to enhance life skills and develop leadership qualities among the children. YBMSA New Haven Islamic Center Volunteering Program Direct Service The YBMSA New Haven Islamic Center (NHIC) Volunteering Program highlights our values of inclusivity and education and is an impactful community service initiative that focuses on providing mentorship, academic support and growth, and building interpersonal connections with the local community and children. Our committed volunteers participate in one-on-one and/or group tutoring, offering personalized academic support to children at the New Haven Islamic Center. Beyond academic support, this program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, where volunteers serve as role models and trusted guides to assist the young children in all areas and subjects. We offer workshops and activities designed to enhance life skills and develop leadership qualities among the children. BelatEID Eid event for the community Direct Service This is a post-EID celebration for the black and muslim community open to the Yale and New Haven muslim community. This annual event celebrates Eid and invites our community to gather in celebration and reflection. The event will include brunch dishes such as pastries, shakshuka, Somali milwax, yam and eggs, and pancakes with berry compote. In addition to food, the event includes a reflection of the Ramadan BelatEID Eid event for the community Direct Service This is a post-EID celebration for the black and muslim community open to the Yale and New Haven muslim community. This annual event celebrates Eid and invites our community to gather in celebration and reflection. The event will include brunch dishes such as pastries, shakshuka, Somali milwax, yam and eggs, and pancakes with berry compote. In addition to food, the event includes a reflection of the Ramadan. YBMSA Grad Celebration Direct Service The Yale Black Muslims Grad Celebration is an occasion to celebrate graduating senior and to recognize the unique experiences, resilience, and contributions made by the student. We celebrate academic milestones and spiritual journeys in a culturally affirming space. YBMSA Masjid Al-Islam Volunteering Program Direct Service Volunteers assist with community programming and service initiatives at Masjid Al-Islam, one of New Haven?s oldest Muslim institutions. Our committed volunteers participate in one-on-one and/or group tutoring, offering personalized academic support to children at the New Haven Islamic Center. Beyond academic support, this program places a strong emphasis on mentorship, where volunteers serve as role models and trusted guides to assist the young Through this service, students build meaningful connections with local residents, strengthen interfaith understanding, and contribute to the mosque?s mission of community uplift and compassion. Roots and Radiance: World Hijab Day Advocacy or Activism In celebration of World Hijab Day and Black History Month, we organized an event focused on addressing the unique challenges Black Muslim girls face in caring for their curly and coily hair while wearing hijabs. This event provided attendees with practical hair care tips, resources, and education, empowering them to embrace their natural hair confidently. THE COST OF LOOKING AWAY: OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO SUDAN Advocacy or Activism With so much happening in the world right now, wars, censorship, and the silencing of voices, it’s more important than ever to remember the power we hold when we speak, gather, and resist together. Join us for an evening with Deen Tour as we center Sudan, reflect on our role in global solidarity, and explore how faith, truth, and community can guide us through the noise. Open to all. Light refreshments served. Community Eid Supply and Gifts Drive Fundraising The Community Eid Supply and Gifts Drive aims to provide the local community with essential supplies, household goods, and thoughtful gifts to families in need in New Haven. This initiative fosters a spirit of generosity and joy, ensuring that all community members can share in the holiday’s blessings. Through local partnerships with organizations, the drive strengthens community bonds and promotes equity, dignity, and compassion. ICNA Muslim Prisoner Support Project Fundraising Iftar Fundraising Every Ramadan, millions of Muslims around the world find solace in their faith, gathering with loved ones for iftar, praying in congregation, and deepening their spiritual connection. But behind prison walls, thousands of incarcerated Muslims are left without the most basic religious materials?no Qur?an to read, no prayer rug to kneel on, no kufi or headscarf to wear in observance of their faith. The Yale Black Muslim Student Association is hosting a fundraising iftar to support the ICNA Muslim Prisoner Support Project, ensuring that Muslim prisoners (who make up about 10% of the prison population in the U.S.) have access to essential religious supplies. This project provides Qur?ans, prayer rugs, headscarves, and educational materials, offering hope and dignity to those often forgotten by society. Incarcerated Muslims, many of whom embraced Islam while imprisoned, face isolation, limited access to chaplains, and restrictions on practicing their faith. For them, receiving a Qur?an or a prayer rug is more than just a material gift?it is a lifeline to faith, resilience, and community. This iftar is more than a meal?it is a call to action. It is an opportunity for the Yale community to extend compassion and solidarity to those who need it most. Attendees will share in a meal, learn about the struggles of incarcerated Muslims, and contribute to a cause that brings hope, dignity, and spiritual support to those who would otherwise go without. By supporting this initiative, we are not just providing religious supplies?we are reminding our incarcerated brothers and sisters that they are not alone. We are fulfilling our duty to uplift the oppressed, advocate for justice, and embody the mercy and generosity of Ramadan. The Crisis Fundraising Against the Famine in Sudan Fundraising The Crisis Fundraising against Famine in Sudan (teach-in and donation drive to help those affected by the current Sudanese war) Advocacy Iftar Fundraising Advocacy Iftar is an evening that brings together faith, community, and action. As we break our fast during Ramadan, we will also reflect on the values of justice, compassion, and service that guide our traditions. This gathering creates space for meaningful conversation about the issues impacting our communities and explores ways we can turn our values into advocacy. The evening will include Iftar (a meal served), prayer, and a brief presentation program featuring speakers who will share insights on civic engagement and community organizing. Ramadan Lock-in Social/Cultural/Team-Building We aim to provide a productive space for students to come together and study. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, finding time to spend with friends and peer is encouraged and blessed. “What’s In Them Greens?” Talk and Dinner with Dr. Suad Abdul Khabeeer Social/Cultural/Team-Building A Talk and Dinner to celebrate the power of Food, Faith, and culture as a way to not only nourish but be a form of resilience in communities.

How Others Get Involved

Biweekly Brunches in the Silliman Annex room at 12 pm Sign up for newsletter, email yaleblackmuslims@gmail.com Follow insta: @yalebmsa for updates on events!