My Country, 'Tis of Thee : My Faith, My Family, Our Future

As the first Muslim elected to Congress, Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison explores what it's like to be an American in the twenty-first century. As a Black, Latino, and former Catholic who converted to Islam, Keith Ellison, is the first Muslim elected to Congress—from a district with fewer than 1 percent Muslims and 11 percent Blacks. With his unique perspective on uniting a disparate community and speaking to a common goal, Ellison takes a provocative look at America and what needs to change to accommodate different races and beliefs. Filled with anecdotes, statistics, and social commentary, Ellison touches on everything from the Tea Party to Obama, from race to the immigration debate and more. He also draws some very clear distinctions between parties and shows why the deep polarization is unhealthy for America. Deeply patriotic, with My Country 'Tis of Thee , Ellison strives to help define what it means to be an American today. Introduction: My country From the Black Bottom to Cane River No Mercy for the Weak Identity Crisis The Color Line in the Twenty-First Century My Damascus Moment Any Jackass Can Kick Down a Barn September 12 Minnesota Nice The Politics of Generosity and Inclusion All Colors, All Cultures, All Faiths Hills and Valleys A Plan and a Purpose What Happened to The Party of Lincoln? What's the Matter With Congress? Hot Dish: A New America My Faith Hajj An Ounce of Prevention Democracy is the Solution Profiles in Leadership Epilogue: Sweet Land of Liberty. Keith Ellison is the first Muslim elected to Congress. In fact, the first nonwhite that Minnesota has ever elected to Congress. This memoir, while filled with delightful family ancecdotes and personal recollections, he ran for office in hopes of making a difference in the ever-changing face of America: his "sweet land of libery." Filled with anecdotes, statistics, and social commentary, the first Muslim elected to Congress presents a thought-provoking look at America and what needs to change to accommodate different races and beliefs.