On Sept. 26, journalist and activist Noor Tagouri came to the University of Massachusetts Boston to talk about her experience of being a Muslim, Hijab-wearing reporter in the United States. Her talk was entitled “Breaking Down Barriers,” which is synonymous for the aspirations and goals she has had throughout her life.
Growing up in a suburb in Washington D.C., Tagouri recalls her struggle of growing up as a Libyan-American and Muslim. Though she went through an identity crisis as a child and teenager, she also discovered her passion during this time: telling stories. Watching talk show hosts such as Oprah showed her that it is possible to have people share their stories while feeling comfortable and safe. From that point on, she knew that she, too, wanted to share the personal experiences of those who would otherwise remain voiceless.
Later on, her experience being a Muslim changed when her parents transferred her from a school in white suburbia to a private Muslim school. Tagouri says that this radical change was a “culture shock” because she did not fit in. In her final year of high school, she decided, with the support of her parents, to be home-schooled in order to prepare for college.
It was also during these years that the aspiring journalist decided to start wearing the hijab. Even though she did not expect that she would stick to wearing it, it has now become her trademark symbol as a journalist. In her early years in the media industry (and even still today), she remembers encountering many obstacles and issues in finding career opportunities. However, looking back now, she is glad that she stuck to her decision and did not sacrifice her cultural and religious identity for the sake of her career.
“Me doing it today, is doing it for the ten thousand doing it after me,” Tagouri said. Her dedication has paid off: she now works as a reporter for CTV News, CBS Radio, and Newsy in Washington, D.C.
Based on this experience, Tagouri founded the #letnoorshine campaign which aims to motivate young people to follow their passion and dreams, and to motivate them to find their purpose in life. The hashtag has become successful on Twitter and other social media, and has increased the popularity of the 22-year old Tagouri. She emphasizes that having high aspirations while being yourself is “not selfish. It’s also doing it for everyone around you.”
Tagouri also launched the clothing line #TheNoorEffect. The goal is to raise awareness about and combat sex trafficking. The cause also helps victims by donating 50 percent of its revenue to nonprofits and charities.
Most recently, Tagouri has also gained a lot of attention because she was the first Muslim woman wearing a Hijab who was featured in and interviewed by Playboy Magazine.
