Ibtihaj Muhammad is a renowned entrepreneur, author, activist, and sOlympic medalist in fencing. She has won five Senior World medals and World Champion, becoming the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in hijab, the first Muslim-American woman to win an Olympic medal, and the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal in the Sabre event. Ibtihaj’s business ventures align with her passion to create visibility and equity for women and girls, including those who wear hijab. In 2014, she launched Louella, a clothing company aimed at bringing modest, fashionable, and affordable clothing to the US market. In 2017, Mattel honored Ibtihaj as a Barbie “Shero” for breaking boundaries and inspiring the next generation of girls. Ibtihaj is a sports ambassador with the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sport Initiative and has been nominated by former President Obama as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Health & Nutrition. She works closely with organizations like Athletes for Impact, Qatar Foundation, and the Special Olympics.
Proud
Ibtihaj, a prominent author, published her debut memoir,in 2018.
PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream.
“Proud is the story of how Ibtihaj rose above it all with grace and compassion. Her exhilarating emergence from young outsider to national hero and outspoken activist is a timeless, uniquely American tale of hard work, determination, and resilience that hasn’t been told.”
The Proudest Blue
She later published a series of children’s books, including the New York Times’ Best-sellers, The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family
is a vibrantly illustrated tale about the first day of school and the first day of hijab for two sisters. Faizah, wearing a new backpack and light-up shoes, anticipates the special day and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab–a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. However, not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and Faizah finds new ways to be strong amidst hurtful words.
The Kindest Red
The Kindest Red: A Story of Hijab and Friendship
The sequel to the New York Times bestseller, The Proudest Blue, showcases the power of friendship and kindness. Faizah, a girl with a special red dress, is excited to wear it on picture day. Her teacher encourages her and her friends to envision a world they want, inspiring them to help each other. However, Faizah’s older sister, Asiya, doesn’t match her, so she helps her classmates with their hijab, proving that acts of kindness can come back unexpectedly.
The Boldest White
The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community
Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad gives a call to bravery, as she encourages Faizah to overcome her fears and stand in front of the crowd in a celebration of family, fencing, and community. Faizah enjoys being part of her mosque and her fencing lessons, but when all eyes are on her, she freezes up. Mama believes bravery will come with time, but she faces a fencing tournament—does Faizah have what it takes to be bold?