Inspired by the resilience and faith of Gaza’s people, Shaun King, a prominent American activist and writer, alongside his wife Rai King, have embraced Islam on the auspicious first day of Ramadan.
Their decision to convert was publicly announced via an Instagram Live session, during which the couple recited the Shahadah, the Islamic declaration of faith, under the guidance of US Muslim scholar Omar Suleiman.
King has been vocal about his support for Palestine against Israel’s war on besieged Gaza, which has killed at least 31,112 people, mostly children and women, and wounded 72,760 so far.
Who is Shaun King?
Shaun King, 44, hails from Kentucky, where he was raised amidst a challenging upbringing, marked by uncertainty about his biological father. Despite facing racism and hate crimes, including a harrowing assault that resulted in multiple spinal surgeries, King emerged as a vocal advocate against racial injustice. His experiences led him to delve into civil rights activism, notably through his involvement with the Black Lives Matter Movement.
King’s journey also saw him exploring roles in religion, including a stint as a pastor at a Christian center in Georgia. However, his path ultimately led him to prioritize advocacy for social justice causes, employing his writing and media platforms to address issues such as police brutality and mass incarceration.
As a founder of various organizations and initiatives, including Grassroots Law Project and The North Star, King has been instrumental in amplifying marginalized voices and driving meaningful change. Despite facing scrutiny and challenges along the way, his dedication to civil rights remains steadfast.
Currently residing in New York with their five children, two of whom were adopted, Shaun and Rai King continue to be influential figures in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
