Two years ago, Najib Azad, professor, author, and lawyer, still worked as a prominent political figure in Afghanistan as the president’s spokesman and top official. After the withdrawal of U.S. troops and the takeover of the Taliban, Azad had to flee, eventually ending up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
On Aug. 15 at the Catholic Multicultural Center on Madison’s South Side, interested community members will be able to attend a presentation and reading by Azad from 7-8:30 p.m. on his family’s journey and his book, “Beyond Evacuation: From the Himalayas to the Statue for Liberty.”
Afghan-style refreshments will be served at the event and attendees will also be able to purchase Azad’s book which gives a look into his work with the Afghan government and his family’s escape. The book is exemplary of Azad’s passion for Afghan politics, people, and awareness as he hopes the book and presentation help people remember what happened just two short years ago saying in a release, “The handover of the country to terrorists is the biggest tragedy of the century, I believe…I want the world to know what we have been through – my son is the fourth generation forced to leave his country.”
As Azad and his family had to flee for socio-political reasons, so had his father and grandfather before him, marking August 15 as the unforgettable day in 2021 when he had to start making plans for his own wife and children’s escape from the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul.
“All the events I have done over the years, I always learn something from others,” Azad shared in the release. “I want to learn about different points of view and hear people’s comments.”
The Catholic Multicultural Center said in a press release that they hope the event brings more attention to the help needed for Afghan evacuees and their families. The book reading and discussion will be held in English and also be followed by a Q&A with the audience.
To learn more and to register for the event, check out the Catholic Multicultural Center page here.
