PHILADELPHIA — Normally, North Philadelphia is a vibrant, excited area of America’s inception city. But on this Tuesday, during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, 6 p.m. feels more like 6 a.m.
As I ride through Germantown, one of Philly’s multiple Muslim enclaves, the remnants of Ramadan are evident. Thobes, abayas and hijabs flood the streets like modest ribbons, while the groups of men, women and children that wear them calmly whisk through what’s typically the peak of heated post-work traffic with the intention of getting home to break the obligatory fast that accompanies this month with their families.
Seventeen-year-old Shayla Smith is no different. The shining star of Universal Audenried Charter School’s women’s basketball team is also oddly serene. If you were to take a picture of our table at this neighborhood cafe, the 5-foot-10 teenage Muslimah wouldn’t immediately present as the vicious downhill backcourt threat who has made history in Philly and captivated the coaching staff at Penn State, where she signed in December to play next season.
Much of that misconception is because of the hijab that’s worn underneath the Nittany Lions cap on her head. The Islamic garment doesn’t historically…
