Who We Are

Our Story

BMTV was formed in June 2020 when our founder conducted a study on the experiences of African Muslim women on college campuses. Noticing the absence of an inclusive space that allowed for full authenticity, she digitized her work and formed a newspace that centered those experiences and allowed Black Muslims to embrace their Blackness and Muslimness

Black Muslims in America navigate anti-blackness, xenophobia, misogyny, and Islamophobia. These structures cause internal and interpersonal tensions and institutional gaps, which obstruct purpose, impact mental health, and foster cultural division. BMTV aims to rectify these harms through community-oriented educational initiatives.

Our Mission

BMTV is a multimedia nonprofit that cultivates a space for Black Muslims to express their narratives, identities, and experiences. We are a faith-based platform for all on diverse spiritual journeys devoted to bridging community cross-culturally and across faith lines. Our distinct focus on arts, education, and programming allows us to facilitate hands-on opportunities, setting us apart as a catalyst for community growth.

Meet the Team

  • Mariam Hydara

    PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

    Mariam is BMTV’s Public Relations Manager. She manages BMTV’s Instagram and LinkedIn accounts and keeps communications with inquiries in the messages of these apps. She helps promote BMTV digitally and in person at events. She assists in event planning during BMTV’s weekly meetings. Mariam is from The Bronx of New York City and currently attends Boston University studying Broadcast Journalism. Her favorite BMTV initiative is “We affirms us” because she believes true methods of affirming and manifestations are very powerful. Mariam also likes to dance, act, and journal frequently.

  • Latifat Odentunde

    FOUNDER, CEO and DIRECTOR

    I am BMTV’s Founder, CEO and Director. I oversee and play a role in all of our departments being Outreach, Public Relations, and Operations. I work closely with my Operations Manager to plan and lead weekly meetings where we delegate tasks to ensure each project is on track and that our non-profit goals are being met. I also produce, film, and edit BMTV’s episode series. I am from Providence, Rhode Island, but graduated in 2022 from Boston College. I am currently a Doctoral student at UNC Chapel Hill. My favorite BMTV initiative would have to be our Black Muslim Iftars “The Link Up.” I love journaling, watching psychological thrillers, and dressing up!

  • Warith Balogun

    CREATIVE LEAD

    Warith Balogun is BMTV’s Creative Lead. As art is a very important pillar of the work we do in bmtv. He handles our art projects and initiatives, working with the rest of the team, to bring them to life. He is also in charge of our website and assists with marketing efforts for BMTV. He works as a Product Manager; He’s originally from NY but has been living in Rhode island for a while. His favorite BMTV initiative is the “Journey in Iman” photo series. He enjoys writing poetry cooking and creative directing.

  • Rafeeat Bishi

    PRESIDENT

    Rafeeat is BMTV’s President and Creative Production Lead. She leads project and production management, administrative duties, and internal team coordination for all of our initiatives, working closely with the CEO. She graduated in December 2023 from Boston University, and currently works in corporate communications and creative producing. Her favorite BMTV initiative would have to be our “Journey with Iman” photoshoot and campaign. Rafeeat is an NJ native and enjoys watching documentary series, the NFL (guilty pleasure) 2000s tv, and eating ice cream!

  • Alioune

    AMBASSADOR

    Alioune is a graduate of Boston College. BMTV has met with Alioune since his freshman year, with a goal of building leaders that can maintain a lack Muslim space, Alioune co-created “Black Muslim’s Path” (BMP) at Boston College. BMP hosts various programming, from Ramadan Iftars to clothing drives while collaborating with other organizations.