Muslim-American breaks barriers as first hijab-wearing TV reporter in US

Born to Pakistani and Indian parents, Tahera Rahman always dreamed of being in front of the camera

A Muslim American woman made history as she became the first full-time TV reporter in the United States to wear a hijab on air.

A journalist from Iowa, Tahera Rahman had worked for WHBF, a television station in Illinois and Iowa for two years as a producer before applying to be on-air, reported Today.



"I love the way that you can craft a story with TV news," she told VOA. Rahman always dreamed of being in front of the camera, "You get to do it in the words of the people themselves."

However, people told her – mentors and even some producers, that America was not ready for a hijab-wearing news anchor just yet.

The motivated 27-year-old nonetheless applied to an on-air reporting job which ultimately led her to the WHBF-TV newsroom.

"It seemed normal to me, because I was just following in the footsteps of my mom," she said.

"I always knew that I had never seen anyone who looks like me on camera before… at least on American television," she says. "I have a lot of family members who do not wear a head scarf, but my mom wears one and a couple of my aunts also do. We are taught that in Islam, it is a choice."

Becoming a role model

Rahman first wore the hijab when she was 12-years-old. Calling it a ‘choice,’ she admits it has been difficult, "I think I’ve made more of a conscious effort as I’ve grown older to connect more to my heritage.”

Tahera Rahman PHOTO: TWITTER/@bridgeinit

"I think when you are younger it’s all about fitting in. And when you are in elementary, middle school and especially high school in America, you just want to be like everyone else."

Rahman’s parents are immigrants from Pakistan and India though she was born outside of Chicago. However, her career is not about heritage or faith, it’s about hard work.

“I grew up with the same morals as everyone else; hard work and determination will get you to your American dream. As long as I put in the work, my craft will speak for itself and outweigh anything else,” she said on an interview with Megyn Kelly.

Rahman’s boss says it’s about her talent.

"Tahera deserves this" Mike Mickle, WHBF news director stated. He never considered asking Rahman to remove her hijab.

"We realise that she is the first. But if she had been the 30th, the 300th or the 3000th, it wouldn’t have made a difference. We did it because she’s Tahera and she earned this opportunity," Mickle said.

After her first broadcast, Muslims and non-Muslims from across the world sent messages of support to Rahman, calling her a role model for women and girls.



“It's been so incredible,” Rahman added. “People from Mexico, Sweden, Eastern Europe telling me that they all stand behind me and are cheering me on … And then people from all over Iowa who have invited me to have dinner with their families and speak with their daughters. Simply incredible. I feel so grateful for all of it.”

Appreciation and encouragement poured in on Twitter.

Saw @TaheraTV story on @MegynTODAY & I could not believe it! I am just filled with joy! Being a Muslim American on US television I always felt "lucky" that I'm Muslim man and not a Muslim woman in this industry. I did not think it was possible to do what @TaheraTV is doing!#PROUD

— Yasser A. Kishk (@yakishk) March 8, 2018

@taheraTV So proud of you!!! You are beautiful and awesome, hard work and perseverance has paid off. Continue to be a beacon of light for young women to follow!!!

— LaNita Catrice (@WorkingMyRoots) March 8, 2018

@TaheraTV You and “your kind” are exactly what this country needs! I can tell you have a grasp on the ignorance/prejudice you’ve already come across because of a preconceived stereotype that you’ve taken in stride. Good luck on your career and all the best! #visibilityiskey

— Stylist & Barber Conrad “Wil” Lewis (@flyinthruit) March 8, 2018

@TaheraTV This Christian is so proud of you for never giving up.
So inspiring.

— Evelyn Braam (@grammaevie) March 8, 2018

Unfortunately, she also received some hateful messages along with threats. But she is not letting that get in her way as she hopes people will change their views.