We are proud to publish the first edition of LACISA's third volume. Two years ago, when we sent out our very first edition, we hoped to connect persons with an interest in the study of Islam and Muslim communities in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the networks that exist across, between, and beyond the American hemisphere. Two years later and we have a network of more than 300 people across our platforms sharing knowledge, promoting new research, and encouraging further scholarship on the subject. This latest edition is a celebration of this increasing interconnection and collaboration, featuring contributions from members across the globe.
First, we have a review of Manifold Destiny: Arabs at an American Crossroads of Exceptional Rule(Vanderbilt University Press) and an interview with the author, John Tofik Karam (University of Illinois). Second, we are excited to announce that Karam will be headlining our second annual LACISA colloquium: Muslim Philanthropy in Latin America and the Latinx U.S.
You can read more about the full line up, which features research on Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, the U.S., and the Tri-Border area between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. We are also proud to feature a podcast episode featuring our very own Lucas Vicente (Translation Assistant, Portuguese) and Rahma Maccarone (Associate Editor). In addition to the above, we also have numerous Member Notes, featuring events, new publications, additional podcast episodes, calls for submissions, essays, and other opportunities in, or related to, our field. In particular, I'd like to personally invite network members to a meet-up on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting. For those attending the meeting and interested in connecting, please e-mail me directly at lacisanews@gmail.com. Otherwise, on behalf of our entire LACISA team, we thank you for reading our latest newsletter and celebrating our second anniversary! All the best in your own research, writing, and work in the public sphere. Kind Regards, Ken Chitwood Editor-in-Chief, LACISA