Never the Enemy: Survivors of State Violence Share Their Stories

Stories of Resilience and Shared Humanity

Join us as we continue the conversation inspired by the 2025–2026 Hawkeye Reads selection, They Called Us Enemy by George Takei. This powerful memoir shares the story of a young boy incarcerated by his own country during World War II—and invites us to reflect on the lasting impact of injustice.

Be part of a meaningful dialogue exploring the legacy of state-based violence, the experiences of those who have endured it, and the shared humanity that connects us all, even in times of division.

Hear powerful stories of resilience and strength from Dr. Clementine Msengi, Fazal Moneer, Anesa Kajtazovic, and Nick El Hajj.

Supporting Sponsors

This event is supported by generous funding from Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The views shared during the event do not necessarily reflect those of the funding organizations.