American Muslims rejoice as Huma Abedin becomes White House Chief of Staff

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Since religious extremists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, Muslim Americans have struggled to see their success, religion, and patriotism reflected in media narratives that too frequently fan the fires of Islamaphobia.

But this month, the New York Times reports that Muslim Americans feel pride and joy over President Hillary Clinton's selecting Huma Abedin - her longtime aide and surrogate daughter - to serve as White House Chief of Staff, making Abedin the highest-ranking Muslim to serve in government in American history. 

"I am so glad that in the coming years, the White House will serve as a powerful corrective to those who would cast doubt on Muslim Americans' love of country," Leila Kazmi told Buzzfeed's Ahmed Ali Akbar on See Something Say Something. 

The Council on American-Islamic Relations will honor Abedin at a dinner in March.