This is the story: A Puerto Rican-American rapper pulls himself out of a life on the streets dealing drugs. He becomes a Muslim. He moves to the Pittsburgh’s tough North Side to start a new religious community, rebuild his shattered family and take his message of faith to young people through hip-hop music.
But when the FBI raids his mosque, he’s forced to confront the realities of a post-9/11 world.
Sounds interesting, right? Well, it’s the true story of Hamza Perez -- and you can watch the film "New Muslim Cool," based on his life, this Tuesday night, Oct. 12. BloomBars in Columbia Heights is screening the film in conjunction with POV, the award-winning documentary film series on PBS. And as part of the BloomScreen series, you can stay for a discussion after the screening.
BloomBars is a community arts center -- part art gallery, part performance space, part theater and part youth academy. It’s located at 3222 11th St. N.W.
The center is working to bring in filmmakers, directors and film experts into the post-screening discussions. It's a donation-based organization, and a $10 donation is suggested at the door.
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