clipped from www.interfaithstory.org

Of course, baking together is only one part of the goal. “To get to know each other, break down stereotypes and grow that circle of people in a grassroots effort,” explained Soumaya of the group’s aims. Like Audrey, Soumaya seeks to create cross-cultural awareness and tolerance. Conducting diversity-training classes is part of Soumaya’s human resources job at Georgia Pacific. As executive director of the Islamic Speakers Bureau-Atlanta, she oversees and does outreach to schools, religious institutions, companies and groups to educate about Islam and Muslims.

Aicha also acknowledged the power of groups, such as the baking circle: “Interfaith contact is really needed to remove the walls that develop in the hearts of people, through the media and stereotypes. Stereotypes become words and images and leave humanity out of it. When people get to know each other, there is a lot more understanding and problem-solving.”