Muslim Legal Fund of America Presents

Uncomfortable Truths
Events

Uncomfortable Truths: Harsh realities or facts that are difficult to acknowledge or accept, often because they challenge established beliefs, comfort zones, or societal norms. These truths expose hidden injustices, inequalities, or systemic issues that are typically ignored or overlooked.

SYMPOSIUM topics

Explore the hidden battles against government overreach & Islamophobia. Muslim Legal Fund of America Invites you to our Inaugural Symposiums.

National Security Surveillance

FBI Informants

Civil Rights Violations

Islamophobia

Immigration Denials

Explore our Symposium

We’ve brought together a powerful lineup of academics, protesters, charities, attorneys, organizational leaders, and students to discuss the profound effects of the Gaza conflict on the Muslim community and our allies. 

Join us as we delve into how the landscape has shifted for Muslims and our allies since October 7, 2023.

BANQUETS

Step into an evening where hidden battles come to light. Experience a night dedicated to confronting the stark realities faced by Muslims and their allies—truths often shrouded in silence.

Explore the unsettling landscape of government overreach and Islamophobia, and witness the unspoken struggles that shape our lives. The evening is poised to be an awakening. Will you dare to see what’s been hidden?

Accept our Invitation

The Art of Uncomfortable Truths by Irfan Khan

Art Exhibit 

Discover the powerful and deeply personal artwork of Irfan Khan at the Uncomfortable Truths event. As a former MLFA client, Irfan’s hand-drawn pieces reflect the harrowing journey of being falsely accused, imprisoned, and separated from his family. His art captures the raw emotions of a father, husband, and human being grappling with profound loss and injustice. These drawings are an intimate portrayal of resilience and the painful reality of living through an uncomfortable truth. Don’t miss this unique exhibit that sheds light on a story of endurance and strength in the face of adversity.

Banquet Programme 

Social Experiential Hour* | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm  
Seating | 7:00 pm  
Program Begins | 7:15 pm
Tickets: Start at $75

*We’re excited to offer an immersive experience where actors will interact with you to bring Uncomfortable Truths to life. If you’d prefer to observe rather than participate, please feel free to let our staff know at the check-in table—we’re here to ensure you have a comfortable and engaging experience.

Sponsorship

MLFA is at the forefront of defending civil rights at the highest levels of law. Your sponsorship is a contribution—it’s a stand for justice, and a commitment to supporting the fight against these injustices.

Partner with us to make this event a success and to send a clear message: We will not shy away from the uncomfortable truths that surround us.

Explore Sponsorship Tiers

Thank You to our Sponsors

Chris Hedges
Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and political activist

Chris Hedges, who graduated from seminary at Harvard Divinity School, worked for nearly two decades as a foreign correspondent for The New York Times, National Public Radio and other news organizations in Latin America, the Middle East and the Balkans. He was part of the team of reporters at The New York Times who won a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of global terrorism. Hedges is a fellow at the Nation Institute and the author of numerous books, including War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning.

Irfan Khan
Honorary Guest Speaker

Irfan Khan was born in Swat Valley, Pakistan in 1973. Growing up, he was an honors student and renowned cricketeer. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1994 and became a U.S. citizen in 1999 . While working as an SAP consultant in Los Angeles, California, he was arrested by the FBI on the unfounded charges of providing material support to the Pakistani Taliban. He spent the next 10 ½ months in solitary confinement awaiting trial before being released and later having the charges dismissed without explanation. He has spent the last 12 years fighting to clear his and his family’s name. In 2024, his fight culminated in a finding by the Chief Judge of the Southern District of Florida that the government’s prosecution was based on material misrepresentation or disregard for the truth and constituted malicious prosecution. Irfan’s fight for justice is an inspiration to all.

Umaya Suliman
Recent Graduate and Student Protestor

Umaya recently graduated from American University in Washington, D.C.  While in the D.C. area, she lived at the George Washington University encampment for its duration, both before and after D.C. Metro police took down the barrier to the encampment.  She also took part in the November 16, 2023 protest outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, which met with a massive police response.