The colorful words blinking on Dallas’ biggest billboard were everything.
Thousands of Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims had spent the day at the convention center next door, participating in parades, performances and prayer to commemorate the start of the 60th anniversary year of our spiritual leader, the Aga Khan.
The Dallas Omni’s 23-story light display the night of July 11 celebrated with us. “Diamond Jubilee,” the tall letters spelled.
The lights on the Omni symbolized how far the American Ismaili community — my community —had come in the past few decades. Growing up in a post-9/11 era, I felt immense pressure to defend my faith. But as our religious community matured over the years, we felt more secure, we stopped explaining ourselves and we began embracing the power of showing who we are by living our faith.
As we prepare for the Aga Khan’s visit in Houston this week, his first trip to Texas in 10 years, that shift feels righteous.
More at the source: Dallas News / Naheed Rajwani / March 16, 2018
Ismailimail 