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Rais Bhuiyan

One Second of Hate: A Story of Forgiveness

This speaker is available for both in-person and online programs. 


“Where are you from?”, his attacker asked before shooting Rais Bhuiyan during a killing spree in Texas shortly after 9/11. The attacker, a white supremacist, had been hunting for “Arabs” and perceived Muslims, though not one of his victims turned out to be from the Middle East. Despite being shot in the face, Bhuiyan survived, but two other victims did not.

Remarkably, not only did Bhuiyan forgive his attacker, but he also spent months trying to save him from death row. In the process, his attacker, a man named Mark Stroman, renounced his white supremacist beliefs and expressed deep regret for his fatal actions. In his final words before his execution in 2011, Stroman said, “One second of hate will cause a lifetime of pain.”

Our stories have the power to connect, inspire, heal, and even save lives. As divisiveness continues to permeate our communities, Bhuiyan shares his story of resilience and reconciliation. Stories can help us replace ignorance with understanding, fear with acceptance, and hate with empathy—all pathways toward a more equitable, just, and peaceful society.

Rais Bhuiyan (he/him) is the founder of World Without Hate, a nonprofit focused on preventing and disrupting hate and violence and restoring peace and understanding through storytelling and empathy. His story is chronicled in The True American: Murder & Mercy in Texas by Anand Giridharadas.

Bhuiyan lives in Seattle.

Learn More

For more information on how to book a speaker, please contact Asia Lara at (206) 682-1770 x101 or by email.

  • About Us
    • What is Humanities Washington?
    • Our Impact
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    • Financials and Governance
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
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  • Programs
    • Prime Time
      • Host Prime Time
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      • Current Speakers: 2021-2023
        • Deepti Agrawal
        • Omari Amili
        • Rais Bhuiyan
        • Maria Chávez
        • BJ Cummings
        • Steve Edmiston
        • Clyde Ford
        • Michael Goldsby
        • Ceasar Hart
        • Lauri Hennessey
        • Robert Horton
        • Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons
        • Bill Kabasenche
        • King Khazm
        • Nancy Koppelman
        • Afua Kouyaté
        • Michelle Liu
        • Richard Middleton-Kaplan
        • Kristen Millares Young
        • Steve Olson
        • Allison Palumbo
        • Julie Pham
        • Jake Prendez
        • Fern Naomi Renville
        • Ross Reynolds
        • Chelsey Richardson
        • Jennifer Sherman
        • Steven Stehr
        • Matthew Sullivan
        • Matthew Avery Sutton
        • John Trafton
        • Eric Wagner
        • Lori Tsugawa Whaley
        • William Woodward
      • Host a Speaker
      • Host Resources
    • Grants
      • Opportunity Grants
      • Washington Stories Fund Grants
    • Think & Drink
    • Poet Laureate
      • Past Poets Laureate
    • Center for Washington Cultural Traditions
    • Public Humanities Fellows
    • Media Projects
  • Calendar
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    • Join Humanities Sustainers
    • Get Involved
    • Bedtime Stories Fundraiser Events
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