The Aga Khan Museum’s Podcast, This Being Human, Will Take to the Stage for its First-Ever Live Taping Featuring Deputy Mayor of Toronto Ausma Malik
Listeners of the acclaimed podcast will have the opportunity to watch host Abdul-Rehman Malik in conversation with his sister, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Ausma Malik, marking the start of Islamic Heritage Month.
TORONTO, CANADA – September 21, 2023 – To mark the start of Islamic Heritage Month, fans of the Aga Khan Museum’s thought-provoking podcast, This Being Human, will experience a free live taping of a special episode featuring Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Ausma Malik. The podcast’s distinctive host — award-winning journalist and educator Abdul-Rehman Malik — will be joined by the local political figure to discuss her career path and when she first realized that championing public issues was her true calling. They will also talk about how Ausma has dealt with being a historic first in terms of representation and what a
Ausma Malik has made history twice. In 2014, she became the first hijab-wearing
Recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Toronto by Mayor Olivia Chow, Ausma Malik is known for staring down hate and inspiring hope for racial justice, economic reconstruction, and democratic renewal. Malik has spent her life working to build a better city, more caring communities, and inclusive civic spaces.
“This is going to be an extra special conversation — imagine coming into a family room and sitting down to hear a fireside chat with someone who is shaping civic life in the world’s most diverse city,” says Abdul-Rehman Malik, host of This Being Human. “As her brother, I know something about Ausma’s passion, drive, and desire to serve. I can’t wait to welcome listeners for this special taping in which we’ll dive into what shaped Ausma’s vision and sense of mission, why she cares so much about opening the doors for others, and why being the first Muslim on City Council or the first woman in hijab to be elected to public office just isn’t enough anymore. We’ll also talk about our late mother and the role our matriarch played in shaping who we both are.”
Presented in partnership with TVO, This Being Human features prominent creative thinkers who bring their own unique perspectives on Muslim art, history, and society. The podcast invites listeners on a journey of self-discovery and cultural understanding, discussing all aspects of life, culture, and work, focusing on various topics ranging from art and creativity to education and sports.
SUPPORT
The Museum wishes to thank The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation for their generous support of This Being Human.
ABOUT THE HOST
Writer, journalist, educator, and pop culture aficionado Abdul-Rehman Malik is currently a lecturer at Yale University’s School of Divinity. At Yale, he also leads the Council on Middle East Studies cultural literacy initiative. He was a past artist-in-residence at the Doris Duke Foundation’s Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Design and Culture, where he curated a series called “What is Muslim Culture?” His most recent work for the BBC was a radio essay for Holy Week entitled “Behold the Man”, a Muslim meditation on a medieval depiction of Jesus. His work has been broadcast on BBC Radio, Radio 4, Radio 2, and the World Service and in countless online and print publications. He is a Toronto native and an enthusiastic Aga Khan Museum supporter.
ABOUT ANTICA PRODUCTIONS
Antica Productions is a creative content company that specializes in podcasts, film and TV. Their work helps partners define their vision and relay their message to new audiences. Read more about their work at www.anticaproductions.com.
ABOUT TVO
TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives and enriches communities. Founded in 1970, we are a globally recognized digital learning organization that engages Ontarians of all ages with inclusive experiences and diverse perspectives. Through video, audio, games, courses, newsletters and articles, we’re investing in the transformative potential of education for everyone. Funded primarily by the Province of Ontario, TVO is a registered charity supported by thousands of sponsors and donors. For more information, visit TVO.me, TVO.org and TVOkids.com.
ABOUT THE AGA KHAN MUSEUM
The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has been established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational activities and performing arts, the Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures through the arts. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto’s Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.
FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Andrea MacBeth
Director, Corporate Communications
TVO
amacbeth@tvo.org
Kelly Frances
Marketing and Communications Director
Aga Khan Museum
press@agakhanmuseum.org
416.858.8735
