Islam’s relevance and significance has grown globally, in both political and social facets of life. Its prominence has reached a crescendo with the Arab Spring over the past two years. As part of this global phenomenon, Islam’s place in America has also evolved. Pew Research Center projects that the Muslim population in the United States will double by 2020, from 1% of the total population to 2%. In other words, Islam is a subject that cannot be ignored, especially in a community such as Newark Academy that focuses on global issues.

Last year, Newark Academy invited Mustafa Akyol, a Turkish journalist, to address the geopolitical issues of Islam. The discussion on Islam continued with Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa, who discussed the impact of his comic book series, The 99. Both speakers had different contributions to the ongoing discussion of Islam. On the comparison between these speakers, Lila Rimalovski ’15, a member of the Global Speaker Committee, said, “Both speakers had a similar stance on finding common ground in Islam, yet this message was conveyed in different ways by each speaker. While Dr. Al-Mutawa’s 99 had basis in Islamic teachings, the characters do not mention their religious background. On the other hand, Mr. Akeyol was focused on comparing current events in Islam with Turkey’s political situation.” The discussion on Islam is multidimensional, and the two speakers looked at it from different perspectives.

The Global Speaker Committee saw Dr. Al-Mutawa’s diversified innovation as the chief incentive to invite him as a speaker. As Craig Haratz ’14 explained, “Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa brought forth a business oriented mind, as he explained the rise of The 99. Furthermore, he presented admirable marketing skills, and his effective message on the tolerance of Islam served as a corollary.” Mr. Kanarek, the Global Speaker Series Coordinator, believed the reaction to Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa’s speech reflected why the committee chose him as a global speaker — his knowledge across varied subject areas. “He was well-received by students and teachers. There was a wide range of questions for Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa in the breakout session. Some students had questions on the skills of making a comic book. Others asked about his philosophy on religious tolerance, what it took to market the series effectively, and about his experience in psychology.” As stated by Kevin Lin `15, Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa was, “groundbreaking.  His message to us truly reinforced NA’s mission. The 99 entertains children like any other comic book or television show would, but it also ties in real world messages.  Overall, Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa was one of the best global speakers we ever had at this school.”

In a sense, Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa was a “renaissance global speaker.” Throughout his life, he has attained many skills and an abundance of knowledge that have allowed him to make The 99 a success. He spent part of his life studying the criminally insane, which helped him understand the connection between violence and clinging to dogma. Growing up in Kuwait, and living in the United States, he has seen varying political opinions on the relationship between Islam and America. Most importantly, Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa’s direct experiences in life fostered his innovation. Thus, Dr. Naïf Al Mutawa did not only guide a new understanding on a variety of issues, but he was a guide for something that students should aim to pursue: firsthand experience. Newark Academy reflects this idea through June Term, study abroad programs, and immersion trips, where learning is done on the front lines. The Global Speaker Committee should remember Dr. Al-Mutawa’s variety of experience, which engaged students of all interests, when considering future speakers.

Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa did not only bring forth an impressive background, but also an impressive, open minded perspective. Previously, global speakers have been criticized for being too biased, which has the potential to obstruct meaningful discourse. Politics can bring the meaning of a global discussion off focus by creating division. While Dr. Naïf Al-Mutawa had some political leanings when he talked about his view of the conservative media, he often transcended partisan rhetoric when discussing his interpretation of religious tolerance.

Dr. Naïf Al Mutawa was an innovative thinker who clearly set new standards for the Global Speaker Series. His conversation set a precedent of success, but will future speakers be able to captivate the critical audience of Newark Academy so strongly? If the next speaker, like Dr. Al-Mutawa, has an assortment of applicable, interesting talents coupled with experiences in life, such an aspiration can become a reality.