As you’ve probably heard by now, politicians and delegates are in Cleveland this week for the Republican National Convention. So is Charlotte resident Rose Hamid. Hamid who is a Muslim, gained national attention when she silently protested at a Donald Trump rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina earlier this year and was kicked out.
WFAE’s Sarah Delia checked in with Hamid on the third day of the RNC.
It’s been a busy week for Rose Hamid, who along with her son made the trek to Cleveland. Her mission she says is to meet as many people as she can.
Listen to interview here
“There is a lot of misunderstanding and misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. And I felt that it was hopefully an opportunity to make some one-on-one connections with people and hopefully change their perception of Muslims,” said Hamid.
Rose Hamid, center, stood in silence during the Donald J. Trump for President rally at Winthrop University Coliseum in Rock Hill, SC back in January 2016.
CREDIT JEFF SINER/ THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
Hamid said she wanted to meet with delegates—not to change their minds on who they’re voting for, but to put a face behind a religion that is often subject to contentious debate and fear.
But it’s been a challenge to find events that are open to both delegates and the public. So she’s been talking with people on the streets in downtown Cleveland and handing out pens that have her website site printed on them.
“It’s always good to put a positive face on Islam whether it’s delegates or not,” Hamid said.
So far, her interactions with the public have mostly been positive. One moment that stands out to her in particular is when she was talking to a group waiting for a bus.
“One had said she had never met a Muslim before and she was asking questions and I was able to answer some of her questions, and think that is the epitome of what we are trying to do,” said Hamid.
Although she has gained a sort of platform after the attention she received for silently protesting at a Trump rally in Rock Hill, Hamid said that for her, the Republican nominee had nothing to do with her decision to travel to Cleveland.