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Muslim Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad was once kicked out of a fabric store because of her hijab

“I can’t sit here as the first Muslim woman to represent the United States at the Olympic games and be numb on these issues that directly affect me.” “American Beauty” is a new series in which Yahoo Lifestyle takes a virtual cross-country journey to discover what beauty means — reimagining the American flag through the diverse group of faces that make up the United States of America. From Muslim Americans and women in the military to single moms and teachers, we highlight what makes each group unique while showcasing the common threads that bring us together. In this edition of “Inspired By,” Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad explains the trials and triumphs of being a black Muslim woman in the world of sports.