Beyond Conversion : The Contributions of Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslims in the United States

Diaz, Wendy

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Beyond Conversion : The Contributions of Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslims in the United States

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Diaz, Wendy . Beyond Conversion : The Contributions of Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslims In the United States. ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b8cf20d0-7683-41e3-ae0a-df0d0139d3e2?locale=en.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

D. Wendy. Beyond Conversion : The Contributions of Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslims in the United States. https://ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b8cf20d0-7683-41e3-ae0a-df0d0139d3e2?locale=en

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Diaz, Wendy . Beyond Conversion : The Contributions of Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslims In the United States. https://ctschicago.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b8cf20d0-7683-41e3-ae0a-df0d0139d3e2?locale=en.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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Diaz, Wendy

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Abstract

For well over two decades, the media and academic discourse have fixated on the conversion narratives of Latinos to Islam, neglecting the broader historical contributions of this group within the American Muslim landscape. The persistent emphasis on the novelty of these conversions has kept Latino Muslims on the margins despite their longstanding and active roles within Islamic communities in the United States, reducing them to mere statistics in a growing movement. The result has been a gap in scholarly research on their experiences beyond the initial stages of conversion. Grounded on Rambo’s Seven-Stage Model of Religious Conversion, the purpose of this qualitative multiple-case study was to examine the evolution, leadership, and activism of Generation X (Gen X) – born between 1965 and 1980 – and early millennials or Xennials – born between the years 1981 and 1985 – who converted to Islam just before or after 9/11, focusing on their established presence and impact in their community roles and beyond. Through a critical analysis of existing literature, case study, and semi-structured interviews with ten Latino Muslim participants, I determined that Gen X and Xennial Latino Muslim converts have successfully navigated dual identities, leadership, and Islamophobia while integrating into the broader Muslim community. Their longevity in Islam and contributions challenge simplistic portrayals, highlighting the need for further investigation into their continued development and impact on future generations.

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