Haroon Siddiqui: My Name is not Harry

Veteran Toronto Star editor Haroon Siddiqui, brown and Muslim, has spent a life on the media front lines, covering conflicts both global and local, and tracked rising xenophobia. In his recently released memoir, My Name is not Harry, Siddiqui traces his journey from India to Canada; And his extraordinary career that took him from warzones to the corridors of power in Canada.

Upon arriving in Canada in the late 1960s, Siddiqui did what many newly arrived immigrants would not dare do - he refused to change who he was. It was this unabashed self-confidence and sense of dignity that made him a champion of multiculturalism and a pioneer of cross-cultural journalism. And as the world started to become increasingly Anti-Muslim after 9/11, Siddiqui was one of the first Canadian journalists to interrogate the real motivations behind "the war on terror".

Q&A and book signing to follow. Books available for purchase.

Ticket registration for this event is required: Free tickets for this event are available to book via Eventbrite.

About this event’s guests:

Haroon Siddiqui

Denise Balkissoon

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This event is part of our signature On Civil Society series, where we host local and international authors, activists and academics in conversation about the most critical topics of our time. Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid.

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This event is also part of our new programming series, Islamic History and Culture. Many key events associated with this series in our inaugural year were created in collaboration with the Aga Khan Museum.

By providing a platform for learning, discussion, and celebration, we hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the Islamic communities' invaluable contributions to our shared history and identity.

Islamic Heritage

Join us in celebrating the diversity that strengthens our community and makes our city a more vibrant and inclusive place for all.

The Aga Khan Museum is a presenting and collaborative partner on Islamic History and Culture.

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Note: This is an in-person event at the Jack Rabinovitch Reading Room, located on the fourth floor of the Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge Street).

Arrive early, meet people. The talk starts at 7 pm, but doors open at 6 pm. Come early so you can chat with your fellow literature lovers, and make new friends. As with all Appel Salon events, we'll have a bar with a selection of beer and wine, as well as snacks, available to purchase (only debit and credit cards accepted).

Reminder! We oversell these events to make sure that the most people have an opportunity to attend. Tickets are only guaranteed until 10 minutes before the show starts, at which point we will start opening up available spots to the rush line.

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Accessibility at Toronto Public Library:

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca.