Michigan Radio, the public-radio service of the University of Michigan, plans to focus on Muslims in the state next week. A special public conversation is also planned as part of the effort.

The series will be part of the morning and evening news programs next week, carried locally on WUOM (91.7-FM).

The full announcement:

"Michigan Radio is partnering with the University of Michigan Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies to launch a new project examining the religious, ethnic, and social lives of the state’s diverse Muslim population. This 'Muslims in Michigan' initiative will consist of a 5-part radio series, film events, speakers, and a community conversation.

"The Muslims in Michigan radio series, which airs April 12-16, will explore topics such as sharia law, halal meats, and the construction of a new mosque in Grand Rapids. Additionally, Michigan Radio’s reporters will profile individual Muslims who have recently converted to Islam. The series will include contributions by reporters Jennifer Guerra, Sarah Hulett, and Dustin Dwyer. The station will broadcast these reports all next week during 'Morning Edition' at approximately 6:20 and 8:20 a.m., and during 'All Things Considered' between 4 and 6 p.m.

"The Muslims in Michigan Community Conversation supplementing this radio series will take place on Thursday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Arthur Miller Theatre on the University of Michigan’s North Campus. This event will be an opportunity for listeners and members of the community to learn more about Michigan’s Muslim population. Information about this event, and others associated with this project, can be found at muslimsinmichigan.org.