Campus Connection

A nationally-acclaimed American Muslim comedian will explore the tensions and paradoxes of American Muslims living in an ever-polarizing modern world during a performance at UW-La Crosse. Azhar Usman, a Chicago-based comedian, will present a “brutally honest,” “unflinching” one-man show at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition. In his show “ULTRA-AMERICAN: A Patriot Act,” Usman blends comedy with serious intellectual firepower and challenges the audience to re-think their assumptions about religion, race and culture in America. Admission is free. A discussion will follow. The La Crosse and UWL communities have demonstrated an interest in learning more about Islam and combating Islamophobia. An event on campus spring semester featuring Corey Saylor, director of the Department to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia with the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Washington D.C., attracted about 350 people. “Comedy is a powerful tool in helping folks engage topics that might be challenging or uncomfortable. A comedian such as Usman provides a unique platform, namely humor, through which to learn about Islam and Islamophobia, and to hear about the experiences of Muslims in the United States,” notes Audrey Elegbede, UWL senior lecturer in Ethnic and Racial Studies. Usman’s visit is possible through a partnership with community organizations such as the La Crosse Interfaith Justice and Peace Network, the La Crosse Area Synod [ELCA], and the La Crosse Muslim Community. The visit is sponsored by two La Crosse Community Foundation grants, a UWL Provost Office Visiting Artist of Color Grant, as well as contributions from numerous offices, departments, and organizations across campus. About Azhar Usman CNN called Usman “America’s Funniest Muslim,” and Georgetown University identified him as “one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.” Standup icon Dave Chappelle, for whom Usman has opened over 50 times, said “Azhar Usman is untouchable.” As the co-founder of the international comedy showcase “Allah Made Me Funny,” he has toured more than 20 countries on five continents. His comedy has been profiled/reviewed by more than 100 major world media outlets including The New York Times, The Economist, BBC, The Guardian, NPR, TIME Magazine, Al-Jazeera, USA Today, and Fox News. Most recently, he served as creative consultant on Hannibal Buress’ new Netflix comedy special, “Comedy Camisado,” and also appeared in Robert Smigel and Conan O’Brien’s “Triumph’s Election Special 2016” for Hulu. The event is organized by UWL’s Anti-Islamophobia Working Group.