March 23, 2019

Aalia Lanius was named a finalist to represent the state of California as the state’s Mother of the Year. As a finalist, Lanius will be speaking at La Cañada Country Club on April 13th, 2019.

“My mother was the best mother she could be, but my focus is just being the type of mom I wish I would have had,” said Lanius.

Founded in 1931 by President Eleanor Roosevelt and operating under J.C. Penney’s Golden Rule Foundation, the American Mothers Committee is a storied establishment that serves as a voice for the 85 million mothers of America.  The committee has been involved with many powerful women, from presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to First Lady Sarah Roosevelt to congresswoman Lindy Boggs. Through annual recognitions, grant funds, and national conventions, American Mothers sets out to empower, educate, and ultimately serve mothers across the nation.

Lanius’ selfless practicing of those very principles earned her a finalist spot for California’s Mother of the Year. Although Lanius wasn’t ultimately named California’s Mother of the Year, her background makes her finalist nomination an empowering one for an underrepresented demographic.

“How Muslim mothers are seen and understood is important to me,” said Lanius. “Truly as mothers we all experience the same thing, regardless of our backgrounds.”

As a Muslim mother living in America, Lanius frequently is tasked with having to combat the hateful stereotypes that surround not only her but also her family. Raising Muslim children in a world filled with Islamophobia, Lanius utilizes her latest book to outspokenly attack bigotry, as she attempts to create a better world for her children.  

“Jugend gives voice to some things that Muslim youths are afraid to say out loud,” explained Lanius.

The latest book from Lanius, Jugend, sets out to produce the same barrier-breaking feeling that she creates as a woman. By pointing out the parallels of hate from Nazi Germany and modern White supremacy, Jugend bluntly addresses topics many would deem too controversial; and in doing so, Lanius forces her readers to see and feel the ugly nature of some the world’s hateful ideologies.

Lanius will be speaking at La Cañada Country Club on April 13th in front of an invites-only event. Jugend is currently available for pre-order with a set release date of March 31st.  

by: Taj Mayfield

Media Contact: Ang Amaya featherpublicity@gmail.com