On Being American: Khizr Khan in Conversation with May Elawar

Last July, Khizr Khan captivated the nation with his speech at the Democratic National Convention in which he criticized Donald Trump for his stance against immigrants and Muslims.

He spoke as the father of a Muslim US soldier killed in combat about what it means to dedicate your life to the promise of the American dream, inspiring a renewed patriotism and pride in the hearts of many Americans. His six-minute speech became a powerful cultural touchstone when he pulled a pocket-size copy of the Constitution out of his suit jacket and asked Donald Trump directly “Let me ask you: have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy.”

In his memoir, An American Family: A Memoir of Hope and Sacrifice, he tells the story of his family’s pursuit of the American dream and why—especially in these tumultuous times—we must not be afraid to step forward for what we believe in when it matters most. An American Family is an intensely personal story about the nature of true patriotism in which Khzir traces his remarkable journey from humble beginnings on a poultry farm in Pakistan, to obtaining a degree from Harvard Law School, and raising a family in America. He shows what it means to leave the limitations of one’s country behind for the best values and promises of another. He also tells the story of his middle child, US Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed while protecting his base camp in Iraq, and the ways in which undying pride in their son and his sacrifice have helped him and his wife endure the deepest despair a parent can know.

CIIS Public Programs and GLIDE Center for Social Justice invite you to this important and inspiring discussion with Khizr Khan and May Elawar about what an American looks like, what being a nation of immigrants really means, and what it is to live, rather than simply to pay lip service to, our ideals.

We have a Buy One Get One Free Sale when you reserve two seats and two copies of Khizr Khan’s memoir to help make this event more accessible and encourage book sales. Sale ends Monday Dec 4th at 12PM.