The new three-part documentary series, beginning on July 5 on PBS, PBS.org and the PBS Video app, follows a young Muslim American couple — rapper Mona Haydar and her husband Sebastian Robins — as they explore America’s “Mother Road” and surrounding Muslim communities. Making more than a dozen stops on a 2,500-mile drive from Chicago to Los Angeles, Mona and Sebastian meet with authors, entrepreneurs, medical students, performers, and others to better understand the centuries-long Muslim experience in the United States. This series highlights the diversity of Muslims across the nation and their contributions to history and culture, weaving a colourful story of what it means to be a Muslim in America today.
Episode 1: “Life is a Highway: Chicago to Joplin, Missouri (w.t.)”
Premieres Tuesday, July 5, 10 p.m. ET
Description: On the first leg of their big adventure, Mona and Sebastian discover Muslim stories from America’s heartland, a history dating back to the 1800s. Along the way, however, their relationship hits a few bumps in the road. Will this be the second honeymoon the couple is hoping for?
Episode 2: “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Tulsa to Albuquerque, New Mexico (w.t.)” Premieres Tuesday, July 12, 10 p.m. ET
Description: Mona and Sebastian learn why so many African Americans converted to Islam in the early 20th century, how Muslims contributed to modern jazz and why Catholics and Muslims share an affinity for the Virgin Mary. Later, they meet young Muslim robotics students aiming to solve big challenges with technology. Mona and Sebastian celebrate their anniversary on the mountaintop where they met, but as the road takes its toll, stress breeds trouble.
Episode 3: “Back on the Road Again: Arizona, Nevada, California (w.t.)”
Premieres Tuesday, July 19, 10 p.m. ET
Description: As their three-week journey winds down, Mona and Sebastian visit the grave of a famous Syrian-born camel driver, find traces of America’s first Muslim explorer from the 1500s and stumble upon an unexpected community of Muslims living in Las Vegas. The Grand Canyon helps heal relationship rifts that have been growing over the past 2,000 miles.
Viewers are also encouraged to engage in online conversation about the series by tagging @PBS and using #MuslimRoadTripPBS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More information about the documentary:
Schedule of Stops:
Ismailimail 