- It's not about what you bring to the table,
but it's about what each of us bring.
And how do we learn to love each other as humans first?
- [Chelsea] When she was growing up in New Jersey
in the 1990s, Ibtihaj Muhammad's parents wanted
all their children to be able to compete and win in sports.
They also wanted to ensure that their daughters
remained fully covered and wear hijab to cover their heads.
- Embracing one another for our differences is something
that most adults in this country can learn right now.
- That's so important to say.
I mean, that's the both joy and the promise of America.
- So could you just talk a little bit
about why you were drawn to fencing,
and also why your parents were really comfortable,
kind of, with you becoming a fencer?
- With fencing, it was this unique opportunity
to participate in a sport where my mom didn't have to,
you know, buy spandex or long sleeves to go underneath
like the track uniform.
There was no like addition that they had to buy to make it,
kind of, hijab friendly.
- [Chelsea] As a college student at Duke,
she was a three time All-American athlete
and a 2005 Junior Olympic Champion.
After college, she turned her attention
to fencing full-time.
She was determined to win an Olympic medal.
And believed that if she worked hard enough,
she could do it.
Ibtihaj made history when she secured a spot
on the 2016 United States National Fencing Team.
- You know, the sport of fencing is historically very white.
So as not only the first Muslim women to be on the team
I'm also the first woman of color within my weapon
to actually go to the Olympics as well.
I found myself surrounded by people who may be averse
to the idea of the team changing.
- [Chelsea] Over time, Ibtihaj repeatedly overcame
the bigotry directed at her and proved her detractors wrong.
- Well, that's something that I think you've handled
just so gracefully with real strength in facing any
of the obstacles that did come your way,
bullying or discrimination.
Give us a little bit of insight
into how you really coped with that.
- I wanted to make sure that my presence
on the team was felt.
For those kids who were watching,
I wanted them to know this is something
that you can have
- Representation is critical.
So now I know you have both a children's book,
and you have a Barbie doll.
- [Ibtihaj] Yes.
- Tell us a little bit about what that experience
of representation means to the young people
that you're encountering.
- I knew when I signed my first book deal that I wanted to,
you know, delve into children's literature
because as a kid I remember not seeing myself represented
in contemporary, you know, children's books.
Not having, you know, a Black character to read about
or someone that I can see myself in.
I was a really big fan of like "Baby-Sitters Club"
and the American Girl series, and they didn't have stories
that I felt like represented, you know, the Black community
or even the Muslim community.
And I think it's far too long to not see ourselves
represented in the children's literary world.
- Ibtihaj, we love your doll.
We were talking earlier before they started rolling
that about how it's too easy for the sword to get off.
And then I lose the sword,
and then we have to find the sword.
Because I also do think it's really important
that white kids grow up looking up to you
Because it's not only that little girls who are growing up
in Black households in New Jersey like you did
or Muslim girls growing up in households,
you know, anywhere in the world, see themselves in you.
I really want my kids to think, wow, if I work really hard,
- Ta da! (Ibtihaj screams)
- Oh, I love it.
Perfect hijab moment right here.
I mean, to see, kind of, this really simple idea
of embracing one another for our differences is something
that, you know, you find in my children's book.
I think that's a lesson that most adults
in this country can learn right now.
You know, it's not about what you bring to the table,
and how do we learn
to love each other as humans first.
- That's so important to say.
We can be so much more when we work together
then we can be individually
or in our own separate communities with people
who look like us or believe like us.
I mean, that's the both joy and the promise of America,
and it's thrilling to hear you say that just as it was
to see you get that Olympic medal because it meant the world
to someone like me who has seen these changes
over the course of my lifetime.
So thank you for what you've done and how you can influence
the lives of my grandchildren and children,
not only across America but the world.