Rifat Malik is the founding editor of American Muslim Today (AMT) and a prominent journalist with over 17 years of experience. Born to Pakistani immigrants in Burnley, England, Rifat grew up amidst a racially and economically divided community. Her family’s commitment to civic engagement and racial equality profoundly influenced her career path. Rifat’s early aspirations were to write for The Guardian and co-anchor Channel 4’s main evening news, but a pivotal experience as a young adult shifted her focus to journalism. After a significant article in The Guardian brought community issues to light, she pursued a career in media.
American Muslim Today:
Frustrated by the mainstream media’s limited and often negative portrayal of Muslims, she founded American Muslim Today to provide a more inclusive and representative platform. AMT amplifies the voices of Muslims in the U.S. and beyond, countering stereotypes with authentic and diverse narratives. Under her leadership, AMT has grown into a dynamic, majority women-led publication dedicated to ‘Transforming the Narrative’ around Muslims. The platform supports aspiring journalists, particularly young Muslims, and highlights the significant contributions of Muslim women and communities. Rifat’s vision for AMT is to challenge media stereotypes and provide a space where Muslim voices can be heard and valued.
Achievements and Contributions:
- Editor-in-Chief of American Muslim Today (AMT): As Editor-in-Chief, Rifat Malik has played a pivotal role in shaping American Muslim Today into a vibrant media outlet that reflects the voices, stories, and concerns of American Muslims. AMT covers a wide array of topics such as politics, culture, religion, and social issues, all through the lens of Muslim identity and values.
- Advocating for Inclusivity in Media: Rifat has been a strong advocate for diverse representation in media, particularly for Muslims and women. Her work focuses on challenging negative stereotypes, highlighting positive contributions of Muslims in American society, and promoting inclusivity and understanding across different cultural and religious backgrounds.
- Championing Muslim Women’s Voices: Malik is passionate about promoting the voices of Muslim women. Through her editorial work, she has elevated stories of Muslim women who are excelling in various fields, from business and education to activism and the arts, aiming to dismantle the stereotypes often associated with Muslim women.
- International Journalism Experience: Before taking on her role at AMT, Malik had an extensive career in international journalism, with experience in both the UK and the U.S. Her background spans print, broadcast, and digital media, allowing her to bring a global perspective to the issues facing Muslims in the West.
- Recognition and Public Speaking: Malik is recognized for her contributions to the Muslim community and has been invited to speak at various conferences, panels, and events related to journalism, diversity, and Muslim identity. She uses these platforms to advocate for social justice, interfaith dialogue, and the importance of balanced media representation.
LinkedIn: Rifat Malik
Website: American Muslim Today
