A story you will never forget
By: Ian Schrauth
Online editor
Comedian and storyteller Aman Ali took the stage at the Meramec theater on Nov. 29.
Ali has made appearance in the New York Times, CNN, NBC News, HBO, BBC and NPR and has opened for Comedian Dave Chappelle.
“I found myself growing up in an all-white town in Ohio,” Ali said in a post-show interview.
“I don’t think people are racist or ignorant. I think people, just, haven’t been exposed to many different walks of life.
I saw that [storytelling and comedy] as an opportunity.” During the show, Ali said there was only one Muslim in the media he wanted to meet growing up — Hakeem Olajuwon, an NBA player.
Ali tried to meet Olajuwon after games, but always missed him.
Ali said he thought he met Olajuwon at Mecca during pilgrimage.
But when Ali said he loved him, it turned out to be a random guy.
When Ali did 30 Mosques in 30 days, he raised $6,000 in the first 45 minutes and $30,000 total.
Ali donated the excess money to charity.
He also talked about the Sharia law, and he said that every faith has guidelines.
He had also said When the law is used to murder, it’s not because it’s a bad set of laws, it’s that people are interpreting it badly.
“It’s not about the faith. It’s about people being assholes,” Ali said.
“Rather than whining about the media, I wanted to do something about it.” Ali said he is not on this Earth to preach about his faith with Islam, but he says he is first and foremost a storyteller more than a comedian.
“Why shut down that opportunity to educate?” Ali said.
“Why get mad? It’s a waste of time.” Ali also talked about how students should share their faith.
“It’s not so much about preaching religion, it’s about living your life,” Ali said.
