Minority Tag

Growing Up, Immigrant, Self Love, Women / 26.04.2018

Having moved from Bellwood, Illinois to Rialto, a suburb in Southern California, most people would be elated: sunshine almost all year round, palm trees, and a mere one hour drive to some of the most famous places in our country. But at the age of 12, having left what I knew of home behind – including Tanessa, my childhood best friend – I was devastated and like most soon-to-be teenagers spent my days in an emotional abyss because “no one understands me, no one has ever gone through what I am” and a general woe-is-me attitude. One day to Umme’s delight,...

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Growing Up, Humanity, Immigrant / 08.03.2018

A large black and white poster of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (almost) kissing hangs in our office above the computer desk where I do most of my writing and book-keeping for our family and business. The poster harkens back to an advertising campaign that Apple launched in the late 90’s to “Think different”. Besides Ball and Arnaz, Apple had the likes of Amelia Earhart, Jim Henson with Kermit the Frog, Cesar Chavez, Ghandi, as well as others, all visionaries in their field. I Love Lucy premiered in our home in the early 80’s, three decades after premiering on television in...

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Humanity / 14.05.2017

I don’t know hate anymore. I know it exists but I personally have veered away from hateful thoughts, acts, deeds or words. It is a conscious choice I make when I wake up in the morning to be guided by love: loving thoughts, joyful deeds, and a pure heart. I am living in a space that God would have me reside. It is sacred and holy, where solitude has become my best friend and companion. There is a difference between solitude and silence, so do not mistake my silence as acceptance. My heart is ready to fight and my mind...

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Politics / 08.11.2016

There are many labels that can be placed on me- woman, person of color, Muslim immigrant, educator, bi-racial marriage, plus a slew of others. The label that I choose for myself is spiritual being. This defines my existence. I must always see a person first and foremost for their essence- the holy place where God, love, and humanity reside. As I walked into my local church and polling place, I carried my ancestors, my human ancestors that have given me the honor to let my voice be heard. There are countless souls who gave of life so many of us could...

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Growing Up / 03.04.2016

You never forget your first hate crime, especially as the victim. Just like your first day of school, first kiss, or first love the moment is seared into your brain. Moving from Bellwood, Illinois to Rialto, California at the end of 5th grade and start of my 6th grade year was a challenge for our entire family. The harsh winters of Chicago were too much to bear for my aging grandparents, great-aunties, and Puppa, who worked outside at O’Hare Airport. Puppa’s “bones would ache” from the bitter winds that the area was known for; no matter how many layers of...

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