Omar Offendum, a Syrian-American hip-hop artist based in Los Angeles, performs at the UNC Center for Middle East and Islamic Studies 20th Anniversary Celebration on March 3, 2023. After 20 years, faculty members reflected on the future of CMEIS and on the achievements the center has made. She emphasized the importance of diversity that exists within the Middle East and the necessity of considering diversity when telling Middle Eastern and Islamic stories. Professor Charles Kurzman, one of the founding members of the Center, described it's original function as an organizational home and community for faculty members and students who were already studying Middle Eastern and Islamic studies. The Center has brought a new approach to educating students and the public on Middle Eastern studies.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 11, 2023 16:37 UTC