14 Muslims to Follow on #BlackLivesMatter

Ibtihaj Muhammad is a five-time Senior World team medalist and 2014 Senior World Team Champion, Muhammad will make history in Rio as the first U.S. woman compete in the Olympic Game in hijab. Ranked as high as No. 7 in the world during the 2015-16 season, Muhammad has won both individual and team medals on the World Cup circuit.

As a Muslim youth, Muhammad’s parents were in search of a sport for her to play where she could be fully covered. Fencing provided a unique opportunity where Muhammad could fulfill her desire to participate in sport and adhere to the tenants of her faith to cover her body.  She began fencing at age 13 and never looked back.

Muhammad trains in New York City at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization founded by Olympian Peter Westbrook to mentor inner-city kids through the sport of fencing. Muhammad, a three-time All-American, graduated from Duke University with a dual major in international relations and African studies, and a minor in Arabic. In 2014, Muhammad launched her own clothing company, Louella, which aims to bring modest fashionable clothing to the United States market.

She also is a sports ambassador, where she serves on the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls Through Sport Initiative. She has traveled to various countries to engage in dialogue on the importance of sports and education.