A Difficult Ramadan Ahead

I know I have not been as active on the blog as I’d like. The last few months, watching the horrible siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza has turned my focus into sharing what’s been happening on the ground via social media. It has forced me to learn and share on the ongoing attacks against the people of Congo, Sudan, Yemen, and Lebanon as well.

Where is the humanity?

I’ve attempted to continue organizing activities in the hopes of supporting Palestinian artists and bringing people together. I even joined a few activities organized by others where the conversation focused on our collective humanity.

My faith in humanity, perhaps slightly, restored.

As Ramadan starts, I know this year it’ll be a difficult one. It will not be celebratory or joyous. It’ll be with continued activism, sadness, guilt, and rightful anger.

We will break fast while thinking of those being forced to starve. We will make our zakat to aid that’s being actively blocked from going to this in need. We will keep hearing politics talk rather than take action, again. We will continue to watch a genocide take place on our screens.

What can we do? I feel hopeless.

Keep speaking up, the pressure is really working. Social media platforms may have attempted to shadow ban or even remove those speaking out, but they can’t do that to all of us. Some of the sources shared were used in the International Criminal Justice against the aggressors.

Support your local artists. Many are using their platforms, creativity, and voice to continue to raise the voices of our brethren.

Vote! We have seen what happened in Michigan and Minnesota. Our protest vote of “uncommitted” was loud enough that Biden can no longer ignore us. Local primaries and elections are just as important as the national ones. We need to ensure those in position of power are those who will be for the people.

Donate to or volunteer with organizations supporting the cause. I’m in awe of the work these organizations do since the soft launch of Hatshepsut Boutique, I’m donating ALL proceeds to them. Other local and small businesses such as Wear The Peace are running similar initiatives.

There is hope, have faith…

This Ramadan will be difficult, but we can continue to do good by it. Here’s to justice and freedom prevailing this Ramadan, amen 🙌🏻

Ramadan Mubarak 🌙

Picture of the Day [Graphic]

Please be advised this picture may be graphic and disturbing to some.

This picture was taken by Taslima Akhter of the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh.  This picture, in my opinion, speaks volumes for itself and rightfully so titled, Final Embrace.

Final Embrace by Taslima Akhter (Huffington Post)