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Assalamu aleikum – Peace be unto you,
DKP’s new author Sahar Abdulaziz has written a powerful novel that needs to be read by all. Tight Rope will be released soon insha’Allah. It centers on an American Muslim Woman named Nour Ibrahim. She is an activist who has earned the attention of unsavory people while also dealing with personal issues. As she deals with all these tests, she wonders what has been ordained for her; the end game. Will she prevail or will she be another martyr fighting oppression from islamophobes, racists, bigots and what not?
Stay tuned tofind out!
Wassalam,
Papatya*
Nafisatou diligently groomed herself for her upcoming and most certain meeting with him. Excitement and anxiety simultaneously gripped at her soul. Absentmindedly, she clipped her nails and sat them aside on a single piece of tissue paper. She proceeded to comb her thick and frizzy hair in front of the mirror. She settled to tie it into a chignon, a hair bun so that her beautiful face would be the center of attraction.
Then Naafi, like her close relatives called her, went outside the cozy cottage she rented with a school friend to bury her clipped nails and her dead hair she had removed from the comb in the small garden they own in the small and good size back yard. She had been taught this burying custom growing up to avoid ill-intentioned people from using such body pieces to commit sihr against her.
She had her period so as soon as she jumped in the shower tub, she removed her pad and washed it. She let the lower faucet water wash away all the blood the thin maxi pad had absorbed. When she was satisfied that the cotton pad was white enough and free from any red spot, she tossed the thin rectangular thing which was curvy on the shorter sides in the small trash bin by the bath tub. Naafi then proceeded to do the same with her tampon buried inside her. She carefully removed the finger size cotton rod using her left hand and with tact. She also let the lower faucet water spring of the tub run through it as she pressed her palm to help the dead blood drip through the drain from the tampon. When it looked like a piece of flatten cotton, she also tossed it in the trash bin.
Naafi took a refreshing shower and then got dressed in a knee length jean dress with a zipper at the front. It went from between her knees to between her small bosom. It had no sleeves and hugged her small curves she admired in the mirror appreciatively. Satisfied, she lightly perfumed herself, grabbed her backpack, and she walked to the school library. It was a ten minutes walk from the dorms. It was Summer and it was warm and sunny outside. Naafi gulped a mouthful of the fresh air, closed her eyes, and exhaled smiling fully. Then she briskly entered the school library building.
I wonder what books he has suggested for me today, she thought as she put her belongings away in her work locker. Greeting her supervisor and her other colleagues, she pushed her cart out and went scavenging for books and other library materials left here and there to re-shelf and to be put in their proper places. Sometimes, she wondered if the Phantom as she called him played a part in spreading books around the library for the heck of it or just to see her make endless rounds as the hard worker that she was while he watched her from afar without her noticing.
"It's not that far-fetched. Everything is possible," she said aloud to no one in particular.
After she made all the rounds of all the places she could imagine of where books could be misplaced, she went to their normal meeting place nook. It was an isolated area of the library where no one walked by or came to sit at. It had a different aura that spook most people except her. She always found that small hiding place surrounded by ancient books relaxing and drugging to her senses. She reached behind the small opening which only a few people knew existed and grabbed the books he had left for her with a small note.
He never revealed his face to her. They always talked to each other via the shelves and she enjoyed reading his romantic notes. She always thought a secret admirer was fun until the content of this particular note spooked her.
Dear Naafi,
..........
.............I came to your dreams last night. Did you enjoy our play? I know you did.
You wanted more...What a naughty girl...Purrs. ..............
......................... ,
Your Beloved 'Phantom of the Library'
It wasn't until then that it hit her hard! "Dear God, I have a genie!" She gasped, her hazel eyes bulging out of their sockets. It didn't matter that she went to great length to bury her dead body parts. It didn't matter that she disposed of her blood with care so that it couldn't be used against her without her knowledge. The genie had still found a way to tag on her. She had given him an opened invitation in her life in other ways!
The realization unsettled the dumbfounded Naafi. As she was deciding to bolt, the voice she had once found enchanting came amonsgt the book shelves. This time it had an eerie sound to it, "YOU'RE MINE... YOU WILL ALWAYS BE."
©Papatia Feauxzar 2017
President Trump has tried and still trying to put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries.
We can all agree that family dynamics in the US are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, and non-denominational members in their mix and such measures and restrictions like visa ban would split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It goes against the inherent values of the country.
Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
What has been happening since Trump reached the White House suggests that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he aimed to put a visa ban on. These people made and still make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.
So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.
The late Steve Jobs
Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have been somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?
Hamidi Ulukaya
Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.
To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani. He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.
Abdullah Hammoud
Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!
Tariq Farid
Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.
Sadia Faruqi
Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.
Fayez Sarofim
Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL’s Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.
Shahid Khan
Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.
Originally published at AboutIslam.Net .
Trump put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. We can all agree that family dynamics are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, Seculars, and non-denominational members in their mix and this visa ban will split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s favoritism, un-American, it and goes against the inherent values of the country.
Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Tump’s supporters are going to great length to defend his actions and even claim it’s not a Muslim ban. The denying game can go on but deep down we all know what it is about. It’s a Muslim ban period. From Trump’s actions, we can infer several things. One of which is that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he put a visa ban on. These people made and make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.
So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.
THE LATE STEVE JOBS
Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?
HAMDI ULUKAYA
Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.
To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani. He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.
ABDULLAH HAMMOUD
Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!
TARIQ FARID
Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.
SADIA FARUQI
Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.
FAYEZ SAROFIM
Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL's Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.
PAULA ABDUL
Abdul is a singer and a dancer but she became well known after American Idol first aired. The show was copied all around the world. Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent from her father side. Syria contributes again to American entertainement.
SHAHID KHAN
Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.
Above all, this ban needs to be overturned because it will impact America in all domains as we’ve seen above. It’s also imperative that we don’t fall in the traps of division. Some citizens of Saudi Arabia had something to do with 09/11 but there was no ban on the country. We shouldn’t point that out because it will create a divided ummah and that’s the goals of the enemies of justice and Islam. Let’s put our differences aside and stay a united front. #NoMuslimBan !
Written 02/03/2017
In the United States of America and Canada, Black History Month is celebrated every year in February. In the United Kingdom it’s in October while in places like Brazil that has the largest population of black people in the world, it’s observed on November 20th. There, it’s called Black Awareness Day. Therefore, while we can say that Black History Month should be year round and I agree, we should also keep in mind that other places in the world with more Blacks don’t have that privilege.
If we want it to be year round, we shouldn’t wait for it to be official. We should just honor the Blacks that deserve to be cheered on our own with regular blog posts, articles, videos, you name it. Let’s be their cheerleader on any platform that will get them known to those that have no idea of their existence. It could be a reminder to those who have forgotten. Repetition is pedagogic. Even Islam vouches for the fact human nature is often forgetful.
So check out the blend of new people that anchor Black History forward.
Imani is a convert to Islam who is prominent in the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM). She is also the founder of Equality for HER (Health Education Rights); a non-profit organization she created in 2014 that seek to raise awareness on a wide range of issues femmes (women) face. Imani Blair was arrested during the protests following the death of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with other 50 plus protesters in July 2016. An Alumni of Louisiana State University, she is also a Muslim community activist.
Co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Cullors is also an African American activist. She also stands against discrimination of all kinds as a queer, a woman, and a black person. She has received several awards for her work including the 2015 NAACP History Maker.
Tometi is also a Black Lives Matter movement co-founder. Of Nigerian descent, Opal Tometi is an American writer who lives in New York. She also strongly advocates for immigrants’ rights with Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). The feminist is also involved in several other African and Pan Africanism organizations. In 2015, she was named New Civil Rights Leader by the LA Times.
Mckesson is a leader in the BLM movement as well. His symbol is a blue Patagonia vest he wears all the time to keep warm. Inadvertently, the vest became the mark by which people recognize the activist. He was also arrested during the Alton Sterling protest in July 2016 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Deray Mckesson is a key player in the formation of Campaign Zero and the project MappingPoliceViolence.com .
Part of the queer trio that founded the BLM movement when the killer of Trayvon Martin was set free and the teenager was put on trial for his own murder while being already dead, Garza is Mexican-African American and a writer. She lives in Oakland, California. Some of her awards include the Root 100 2015 list of African American achievers and influencers between the ages of 25 and 45. She was also highlighted in the Politico50 guide to the thinkers, doers and visionaries transforming American politics in 2015.
Grayson is an African American writer and educator that advocates against anti-black racism, Muslim profiling, and discrimination as a whole. She also pens books that highlight the realities on the field. She lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
There are tons of Blacks that deserved to be featured during Black History Month but with not enough time to so. So which ones are you going to honor and put on the spotlight year round?
The recent donation declaration of Peter Thiel, a German-American businessman and the co-founder of Paypal, minorities- Muslims, Jews, Women, Disabled people, Blacks, Asians, and Mexicans- targeted by Trump are feeling uneasy for their turnout if he were to win with such an amount of money to back up such an unfit presidential campaign. Needless to say that the monetary support funding a dictator in rising is making anyone with a conscience worried and uncomfortable. For minorities though, this donation spells more trouble.
MUSLIMS
All Muslims from all races are minorities under the banner of Islam and they are expendable to Trump and his supporters. Muslims as a whole have a multi-billion buying power and they hear, “I will use your money to support someone whom you don’t support but I will 100% vote for.” The message is loud and clear; Thiel is supporting hatred, violence, and islamophobia. To retaliate, many Muslims business owners who use PayPal feel like this is intolerable and are considering closing their PayPal account. They are other alternatives they rather use. Only time will tell how this switch pans out.
JEWS
Jews, you are also expendable. Trump has made swooping accusations toward Jews. Like there are bad Muslims, there are also bad Jews. However, delivering anti-Semitic speeches about ‘elites’ fosters a high anti-Semitic movement and feeling from his brainless supporters toward innocent Jew victims. Thiel by donating millions to Trump is saying to them that he doesn’t care if pogroms are committed against them.
WOMEN
“Women, you deserve disrespect and sexual harassment around the clock.” This is what I take from Trump’s immature comments about women. Thiel by endorsing Trump is confirming that he hates women and sides with the misogynist point of views of Trump. Just because he isn’t attracted to women doesn’t make it ok to be passive toward the disrespect and blatant discrimination this gender is subject to. A woman gave birth to these two ‘geniuses’.
DISABLED PEOPLE
There are over 50 million disabled people in America. And for Trump, there are certainly ‘not great’ since he cracks jokes at them. Why would you support someone like that? Besides, didn’t he say he was so rich? It seems that Trump doesn’t need the money and that Thiel is perhaps doing this just to spite people or be noticed.
BLACKS
$1.25 million is less than 1% of the net worth of Thiel. America was mainly built on their backs but many still face poverty but they are seen as lazy people by the Frumpsters. Thiel, you could have put your money to better use! Trump and his flock are in favor of denying them equal opportunity rights when it comes to housing and employment. Again, this donation is money NOT well spent.
ASIANS
Thiel supported someone who spared no details in being an equal opportunity discriminator. Besides cracking un-funny jokes at women and disabled people, Trump made fun of Asian businessmen and made stereotyping comments like anchor babies goes with Asians. Thus, he also made fun of that community. At least, the people he referred to can speak some English. Can Trump or Thiel speak proper Chinese or even Japanese? I bet not! Trump and Thiel both share some German ancestry, making them foreign and you think that would make them a bit sensitive toward different nationalities. Nope! It doesn’t make them ponder a tad bit! It’s a shame but apparently, they have none.
MEXICANS
Mexicans were amongst the first groups targeted by Trump’s campaign. He called them rapists amongst other names. The money Thiel donated, will that go toward building ‘the great wall’ in question Trump wants to build in the Southern border to keep immigrants out now that Trump is President?
America belongs to the Natives but also to immigrants and minorities in case they hadn’t realized it yet. It was built on the back of immigrants and still continues to be so to some extent. Only time will tell if the minorities are wrong about TRUMP.
Written on 11/15/2016
From the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to his rightly guided Caliphs to the Ottoman empire, the tradition of coexistence with other faiths has been passed down from generation to generation to these days. The idea that non-Muslims living in predominantly Muslims countries are persecuted is far from the truth.
In fact, many non-Muslim sites of worship thrive in majority dominated Muslim countries. And here is a fun fact, several of these churches, synagogues and temples have been renovated by Muslims. Check out these 15 beautiful churches and synagogues in predominantly Muslim countries.
© panoramio
© Judaism-Islam.com
© Judaism-Islam.com
© Judaism-Islam.com
© The Times of Israel
© The Library of Congress
© panoramio
© tourismlandscapes
©Tessera
©Tessera
©Турлыхан Абдирейм
12. The National Church of Nigeria in Abuja
© Skyscrapercity
©Istanbul.for.91 days
©Rybolt, John
Donald Trump 45th President of the United States of America has been very busy making a lot changes within a week’s time.
We can understand a little why he is delivering on his campaigns promises rather quickly because Barack Obama only had two years to impose himself before he lost congress to the Republicans for the remaining six years of his presidency.
So, since Trump’s inauguration, several hot topics in American politics have ‘materialized’.
1. TRUMP MOVED TO REPEAL OF OBAMA CARE AND DEFUNDED PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The Affordable Care Act covers about 20 million Americans if not more. The goal of Tump’s party is to dismantle Obama Care piece by piece and replace it. So Trump’s signed executive order pretty much gives governors of each state carte blanche to decline parts of Obama Care’s coverages they see fit.
The defunded Planned Parenthood will impact many organizations like HER and Women’s Health domestically and internationally because Planned Parenthood also has global affiliates. While Trump and his party’s conservative pro-life efforts are laudable, there are many reasons why abortions are allowed religiously and could have had a budget cut instead from the annual $ 100 million it used to receive.
2. TRUMP SIGNED EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ALLOW KEYSTONE AND DAKOTA ACESS PIPELINE PROJECTS
His predecessor had declined the oil pipeline projects on the Natives’ land. Protesters had also shown their disapproval and supported the Natives trying to protect their lands. Trump resurrected the deal by signing an executive order and said he would create 28,000 jobs. Actually, these two pipeline projects will create many jobs than that but it’s at the expense of the climate, the environment, and the safety of human life. It’s a short term gain for the consequences these pipelines will create in the long run. A safer and green alternative should have taken place.
3. TRUMPS DEFUNDED SANCTUARY CITIES AND MAKES A STAND ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
In these parts, a sanctuary city protects the rights of illegal and undocumented immigrants. In this municipality, they are not prosecuted. Trump moved to end that by defunding them and possibility ending the policy of Catch and Release where illegal immigrants were released.
The building of the wall to separate Mexico from the United States is officially in writing in the executive order Donald Trump signed. He intends to use tax payers money to build it and then turn around and push the cost to transactions the US will make with Mexico.
Trump also put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s un-American and goes against the inherent values of the country.
Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
4. TRUMPS WITHDREW THE UNITED STATES FROM THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
The TPP was a trade agreement between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam signed on February 2016. The United States like the others countries had joined for economic growth and for strong economic ties. While it was seen as a threat to America jobs for the opponents of the TPP, only the future will tell us if this was a smart move for the Unites States of America. For now, Trump says he wants to re-negotiate the agreement. So let’s look out to what President comes up with to replace it.
Picture credit: ©Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP
Martin Luther King was a pioneer, a civil rights activist, and many more honorable things. One part of his famous speech particularly stands out in my mind on this day we try to honor his work and legacy. It is:
“…I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…”
There has been a lot of progress since then and a lot more to go because our great nation is still facing discrimination on all levels while many activists are raising awareness to keep his dream alive, true or simply fulfill it.
Having said that, we shouldn’t fall in the traps of the holy trinity of African-American history that only honors a handful of really well-known African Americans such as Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Every once in a while others such as Carter G. Woodson, Maya Angelou, Federick Douglas amongst others will also be mentioned especially as we approach Black History Month.
On this day, let’s honor Dr. King’s predecessors, peers and many of his unsung legacy who also made and make it possible for America to have groundbreaking changes. Some of them include:
WARITH DEEN MOHAMMED
Warith Deen Mohammed was muslim and the son of Clara Muhammad. A world peace pioneer, he fought for racial unity as well.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Mohammad Ali doesn’t need any introduction and his support to the civil rights movement was major. His funeral was the epitome of unity he had advocated and portrayed his whole life on all levels as testaments from people of all faith poured in leaving us with teary eyes.
MALCOM X
On this day, Malcom X deserves to be mentioned for his work too. Though Dr. King and him didn’t always see eye to eye, they weren’t that different in what they wanted for the human race; equality and fair treatment.
CESAR CHAVEZ
He is perhaps the most well-known Latino civil rights activist in America. Even though there is a day designated for him; March 31st which is only observed in a handful of American states, this pioneer needs to be mentioned because part of his inspiration came from Dr. King. Chavez was also the first to coin the slogan ‘Yes, it can be done’ paraphrased and revived by the Obama administration.
GWENDOLYN ZOHARAH SIMMONS
A Muslim scholar with a Ph.D. in religion, she contributed in the civil rights movement during the 60s especially in the Southern states of America. Look her up to feel a glimpse of inspiration.
GRACE LEE BOGGS
Boggs was a feminist, an activist, and an American author of Chinese descent. A friend to both Dr. King and Malcom X, she followed more in the steps of Dr. King’s strategies. She constantly denounced racial and economic injustice because she loved America like all the activists before and after her. They want change.
LAYLA ABDULLAH-POULOS
Abdullah-Poulos is the founder of NbA Muslims (Native-born American Muslims). Her work is pivotal as it highlights the societal issues all minorities in this great country still face. She is revolutionary!
This article is written by Papatia Feauxzar and originally published at MVSLIM.
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the Unites States, is leaving the office today on January 19, 2017. And if I had to grade his achievements, I would give him a C+.
Why this grade, though? Some people might think he did a pretty good job, others might feel like he totally failed. Here are the factors that influenced my decision making:
When Bill Clinton left the office, the country had an economic surplus which was used by the succeeding President to pay for the war in the Middle East. Normally, when you go to war, there are several ways to finance it and none of which are good for the economy of the country in the long run.
The Bush Administration didn’t really do those, at the expense of the economy of the United States that soon started to plummet. That and other decisions made by the Bush Administration caused the American Economy to enter into a free fall.
Obama stopped this by bailing out Wall Street, the housing industry, and the automotive industry. If he hadn’t, there would have been a domino effect once America had completely plummeted. And inevitably, the whole world’s economy would have followed.
This bill was major for many American women who thought that while they performed the same job as their male colleagues and had the same or more credentials, they were being discriminated against. They were paid less or sometimes, without their knowledge, there was a pay discrepancy.
Since the passing of the act in 2009, women in America who qualify can take their employer to court if necessary for fair pay. The act is equally supported by many men.
While Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) helped many underage illegal immigrants become lawful it also had a flip side of mass deportation. The Republicans had called him soft with immigration laws so this mass deportation was his balancing act which caused a loss of supporters. He had to make hard choices and tough decisions. To continue, his use of drones in war also earned him unsavory critics, even from his own party because of the collateral damage they cause.
Obama had also promised to close Guantanamo Bay and that didn’t happen. This prison is a shame for the image of America and used as propaganda by real terrorists to recruits because supposed terrorists also dwell in that cage. This is where my reservations on Obama start.
Nevertheless, he is way better than the future mind the country will inaugurate soon.
This act is not perfect but it can’t be annulled because there is nothing to replace it. America, the most industrialized country on earth can’t provide free healthcare for all its inhabitants? It’s not acceptable.
Even the Caliphate centuries ago provided free healthcare to their people. Now, the main reason Republicans want to repeal this act is because Obama Care is pretty much wealth redistribution. For the Black people who complain too much about him, he did this for you!
Sure, his presidency was a small dent in the state of affairs of America but we can’t simplify his term into nothingness. The Obamas were always classy and not petty people. To paraphrase Michelle: “When people went low, they went high.”
Obama, khair! We will miss you for sure.
Originally published at MVSLIM.
In his last days as the President of America, Barack Obama has named several people to fill key administrative positions in the government. Many women have been chosen for key roles.
Here are some of the famous names that stand out from Obama’s nominations:
Obama nominated Abdul-Jabbar as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.
The basketballer deserves the appointment based on his achievements. The player also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom recently, which is referred to as: ‘the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.’
As an Olympic gold medalist, Lloyd was nominated as Member and Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. A brilliant soccer player, she was named FIFA Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016.
Also an Olympian gold medalist, Douglas was nominated as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Douglas is the first African-American in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champions in gymnastics.
This female fencer is the first American woman to have worn the hijab during the Olympics. She owns several medals as well.
Muhammad was nominated as Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. Her nomination is also well deserved.
Originally published at MVSLIM.
"Yacüb," she said to him calmly as she paused her series on TV, trying not to loose her temper like nth times before when this topic was back on the table.
"I told you, in our culture, we address people by their middle name," he told her.
She winced and the previous night's events flashed before her eyes.
Nellie had made Tchep Djen, the famous Senegalese dish native to her country with fish. She was so excited for him to try. He would love it, she told herself.
"There are too many fish bones in this! It's hazardous! Next time, don't cook it with fish. Or cook the fish separately or even use boneless," Yacüb had said haughtily and then refused to eat the meal she had made with love not even counting the hard work it entailed and the maze trajectory she had embarked on in Istanbul to find the required ingredients; African and what not.
"Well, it won't be African food anymore or Tchep Djen honey," Nellie had argued and continued, "In our culture, this is how we make it. You have to learn to eat it this way so that when you go to Senegal, there is no surprise. People won't always cater to your picky needs." Nellie's heart had sunk. It's so pointless to argue with someone so entitled.
"It's not a cultural thing. There is no such thing. Fish is not specific to Senegaleses. It all comes from the earth; the rice, the vegetables, the salt, you name it." Yacüb cut in again dismissively.
"NO! How hypocrite of you?! I can't believe you right now! The way we cook the rice is specific to our culture. Just not long ago, you were telling me that in your culture I have to call you by your middle name; 'Ertuğrul'." Nellie let out in jester annoyed at his hypocritical choices.
Pointless discussion, the same voice said to her and she was starting to agree. It wasn't the first time she had culture identity or even culture shock arguments with her husband and her in-laws who refused to acknowledge any other culture than their own.
"It's Senegalese cuisine perhaps but not cultural food. Culture is historical things and the likes," he added with certainty.
"No, it's not just a cuisine. Look up the definition of culture. Food is part of it," Nellie said and wanted to add more but today wasn't the day where she will try again to no avail to enlighten him or them. She just didn't have the patience for it. Nellie just wanted to relax. They could swim in stage one of the Bennett scale for all she cared! Right now, she was watching her show 'The Book of Negroes' on Centric and their bliss of ignorance or hypocrisy -whatever it was- could wait. Enough is enough! she thought as she turned the volume up and tuned him out.
©Papatia Feauxzar 2016
Tiphanie was a plain girl with not much self-confidence. Heads never rolled whenever she walked around campus for sure. After much self-reflection on the subjective meaning of beauty, she found peace with herself. “Be-you-T,” a voice in her head once advised. She inferred the ‘T’ was meant for her name Tiphanie. And so she did. Until then, she was nicknamed Tee. After her self-actualization downed on her, she coined a new nickname and opened an Instagram account with the sobriquet of Beauty TiP(h). Her first inspiring instaquote read:
Beauty Tip(h) #1
“Superficial beauty fades. Real beauty is not skin-deep. Find the real one from within and let it comfort you and cheer for you.”
©Papatia Feauxzar 2016
Homegoing is the debut novel of Yaa Gyasi; a young Ghanaian-American woman who is simply put, inspiring, unapologeticly truthful, and a talented writer. As I read her book, the stories of La Reine Abla Pokou came to mind. The little Akan I also know came rushing to me. For instance, I knew the meaning of Akwaaba which means 'Welcome'. Nyame for God. French speaking Akans say Niamien. There was also Maame and Yaw; the names of two characters. French speaking Akans say Mammi and Yao respectively. So many words in this book took me way back home and made me emotional a bit. It also reminded be of the fact that as a Madinka, my Akan friends always point out that I look like an Akan; both in the USA and back in Africa this has happened many, many times. The last time I heard that it wasn't even two months ago. I always reply, "Maybe, it must be in my blood somewhere." So, at times I felt like I was connecting with my own ancestors in another country I wasn't born in but that I certainly have ties in while I read this book.
Homegoing was definitely a homecoming for me as well, and I didn't want it to end but I wanted to read all the stories of the different characters highlighted in it. It's divided into two parts and spans over a period of 300 years or so. The story starts with the accounts of two separated half-sisters and then each chapter focuses on the trials and achievements of the descendants of these two sisters from the 18th century to the 21st century alternating between Africa and America.
It was a recommended read by a good friend and an older sister. I'm glad I had a chance to read it. The book is powerful and unforgettable. Many passages struck me because they reflected many of my thoughts for it's about slavery and how it started. It's also about the long lasting effect it had and has upon Africa and America.
Gyasi makes it clear it that we all make mistakes and forgiveness is imperative. We also get a clear sense that we shouldn't be bystanders when anybody from any race is mistreated because being quiet can pave your future in an undesirable way. Homegoing is a also an Historic testament for the wrongs done to Africans by Africans. In one of my short story called The Nanny, I wrote, "Sooner or later, every nation pays for the crimes of its ancestors...Africa is still paying for selling their own blood to ambitious traders during the slave trade."
Homegoing reflects that slave trade and how the two half-sisters' lives are affected by the slave trade. The descendants of the sister brought to America by force meet a difficult life still going on today while the descendant of the other half-sister comes to America willingly. This descendant also faces challenges like identity issues. In the end, fate will have it.
Every African should read this novel. The plight of Blacks in America needs to change. Africans must not act like it's not their issue. It's our issue! We must make it right! We had a huge hand in the fate of our brothers and sisters, the African-Americans, in this country. It's mainly our fault and the Akan proverb embodies it by saying, “The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.” When I first came to the USA, it took me a while to really see things. The father of one of the main character even says that people need time to see things clearer too. And after I read this post, I saw even more clearly what I had to do to play my part in this fight :).
My rating : 5/5
Thank you for reading,
Papatya*
Rio Paralympic Games is the next wave of Olympics in Brazil this year. The games began on September 7th and will end on September 18th. Not really advertised like the main Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games started in an effort to include a wide range of disabled athletes in sports competitions. This is the reason it is also held in Brazil and not too long after the main Olympic Games have ended.
What started as an event for World War II British veterans who found themselves with disabilities after fighting the war became an international event. It’s not as funded like the regular Olympics and there is a lot of noise going around for the blatant favoritism. That said, the Paralympic Games are only subsidized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As a matter of fact, they are governed by International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Now, there have been controversies about cheating done by some of the athletes who had claimed being with disabilities when in fact they weren’t. So, stricter rules have been made in place to counteract false claims and more methods to distinguish a disabled person from a non-disabled are being designed.
Having said that, not all disabled athletes are satisfied with only playing in the Paralympic Games. Some rather compete in the normal Olympic Games as well to assert and seek equal opportunities. They don’t want any favor or distinction. This is for instance the case of the notorious Oscar Pistorius. Several other disabled athletes have competed in the regular Olympics too.
This year 43 African countries are participating, 27 countries in the Americas also are, 40 Asian countries, 44 European countries, and finally six countries from Oceania will also be competing for medals. A total of 160 countries will go against each other and fight for the prized gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Some athletes to look out for are:
This Iranian athlete is a Paralympic and an Olympic archer. She was previously a back belt Taekwondo athlete but had to switch sports due to a car accident. She has several medals; gold and bronze.
Fatimata Diasso Brigitte
Picture from lanouvellerepublique.fr
A runner from Ivory Coast, Diasso is a 26 year old runner who has a visual impairment since childhood. She will be running the Women's 100m - T11, Women's 100m - T11, and the Women’s Long Jump T11. This is her first Paralympic participation. She was supposed to compete in London 2012 but she was disqualified at the last minute due to an injury. Around Africa and her own country, she has won medals of achievements.
El Amin Chentouf
Picture from Sports-Maroc.com
From Morocco, Chentouf is a Paralympic runner and a multi-gold medalist in T12 races. He will be competing in the IPC athletics for men. Watch out for the 35-year-old because he’ll be defending the world champion title he holds.
Sanaa Benhama
Benhama is the women’s defending champion for Morocco. She did very well in Beijing 2008 with three gold medals. She will be running the Women’s 100- T13 and Women’s 400- T13.
Emrah Ocal
Picture from insidethegames.biz
This Turkish Paralympic athlete is another one to watch out for. He has gold under his belt in Five-a-side soccer. In fact, he helped his team win gold at the 2015 ISBA European Championship. Bravo! Tune in to see him dribble the ball ad score many goals like he is known to do.
Ali Jawad
Picture from Twitter
From Great Britain, Jawad will be competing in Powerlifting. He has several gold medals in several Men’s category. The 27-year-old is an inspiration. Born without his legs in war torn Lebanon, he has achieved the impossible to some of us. Like all the Paralympic athletes around the world, he didn’t let his handicap dictate his call in life.
Nazmiye Muratli
Picture from yenisafak.com
Muratli is another Paralympic powerlifter from Turkey. At the London 2012 Paralympics in women's up to 40kg, she won Gold. The 37 year old has other medals. The most recent being gold in the 2014 IPC Powerlifting World Championshipsfor women's up to 41kg.
Sherif Osman
Picture from cairoscene.com
The Egyptian Paralympic won gold at the 2014 IPC World championships for men's up to 54kg in Powerlifting. Amongst others he holds, there is one gold from Beijing 2008. Osman was a shot putter before deciding to do only powerlifting.
Sareh Javanmardidodmani
The Iranian will be competing in IPC shooting. She won Bronze at London 2012 Paralympic Games but gold at 2014 IPC Shooting World Championships. Watch out for this shooting star as well.
Ramezan Salehi Hajikolaei
Picture from teamiran.net
Hajikolaei is another Iranian competing at the 2016 Paralympic Games in sitting Volleyball. He won silver in London 2012 and gold in Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
Above all, tune in to follow and support these outstanding athletes and the others not mentioned here. May the best athletes win!
Source: www.paralympic.org
When I watch a show, I love different characters. Personages who are flawed and not boring. They make you laugh, they are enjoyable, and you can guarantee that you will have a good time watching them unravel with their roles. They're simply and effortlessly entertaining and amazing.
Thus, my all-time favorite entertaining and colorful characters are:
1. Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (TV Series)
(Picture from the daily beast)
Titus is the roommate of the protagonist Kimmy Schmidt and he's a fun character. He always pretends he has no money. He has a lot of attitude and is trying to make it to Hollywood. His landlord is an old woman who can be an hilarious discriminator. Titus with one 's' and Tituss like people often call him feels blessed. The character he plays in the show is actually based on himself. Tina Fey brought his real troubles and aspirations to life with this series. Check him out.
(Picture from nbc.com )
Below is the character of Sharzod he plays.
(Picture from Notey.com)
Funches plays well the character of the sassy Sharzod; a Boov that has a crush on Oh. Oh is a Boov that fits out of his community of invaders. Sharzod's catch phrase is "Dang!" She is a very real character that reminds me of a Sheneneh. Fashion, parties, and social media are her thing!
I died laughing once when while inviting her friends to her party she said, "Y'all need to change clothes though. Y'all look terribles*. Dang!" Then she was out!
She calls Tip, the protagonist 'a man'. Once, Sharzod who had just become's Tip mother bestie sat at their kitchen table, pursed her lips, narrowed her eyes, and let out, "You look a hot mess." It was too funny! Tip grunted loudly and said, "Go home!"
The Boov have seven glorious Boov genders : boy, girl, girlboy, boygirl, boyboy, boyboygirl, and boyboyboyboy. I don't know which one is Sharzod but she's a 'She' to me even though her voice is a bit deeper like a man. Well Ron's voice.
3. Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club
(Piture from www.theverge.com )
Jared played the character of Rayon; an AIDS afflicted man who dresses as a woman. In the movie, Matthew McConaughey plays the role of Ron Woodroof; an homophobe AIDS patient. The two become friends later on and Ron even starts not to tolerate homophobes and stands up to the haters impressing Rayon who had a crush on him. Ron had eyes for his female doctor instead; Jennifer Garner who played the character of Eve. This story is based on a true story and Jared is a great actor by pulling off Rayon's role.
4. Nelsan Ellis in Trueblood plays the colorful character of Lafayette Reynolds
(Picture from www.ibtimes.com )
One of his quote is : " You is the angel of death." Lafayette is a cook at a local bar called Merlotte's. He is also a medium, and he used to be a seller of a drug (Vampire blood) that could make you high. His mother is mentally ill and partly because she knows of her son's abilities to deal with the unseen. He's killed by the writer of the book but because his character was so popular, in the TV series, he was saved and played all the seasons.
5. Sheneneh Jenkins in Martin TV Series played by Martin Payne .
(Picture from prince.org)
Sheneneh is the neighbor of Martin. She has a crush on Martin (himself lol!) and she says "Oh my goodness" a lot. Sheneneh is also into flamboyant and extravagant fashion. Though I wouldn't wear the things she wears, it makes her character stands out.
I certainly have a good laughing and de-stressing with original characters. What kind of characters do you like?
Thank you for reading,
Papatya*
Author of Change Of Shoes
A Decent Woman is an historical contemporary fictional story which truly mirrors the realities of the society then and now. In my opinion, only a fool doesn't believe in spirits. I believe in One and only God but that doesn't mean I'm not aware of the shadows. In fact, we should all be aware of their presence. And for that I count only on HIM for protection. Other spiritual beliefs also know this and they have their deities (other good spirits they make alliances with) to protect themselves from the unseen (good and bad). And this is where Ana, the leading character comes in. She is an Afro-Cuban mid-wife with roots in Nigeria. Ana is also what some people might call an idol worshiper and a good witch doctor who still venerates the Virgin Mary besides her pagan beliefs. Ana becomes friends with Serafina; a young and humble Puerto Rican woman. Both carrying heavenly names, they are indeed decent women in a bias and full of red tape society.
I liked the story and looking forward to read more from this author. Now, a few things didn't always make sense to me like the time line, the fact that some of the characters were eternal students, always at the university as the years went by. That said, I'm not sure how long it took in those years to earn an higher education degree. I also wished some scenes weren't glossed over or told to us to move to the next plot. Perhaps they weren't that important to the story line or wouldn't add to it but I would have for instance wanted to read more about Ana's special day and marital vows ceremony.
To continue, in this interview, Viola Davis is who the author wishes to see play the character of Ana. If her novel makes it to Hollywood, Viola Davis would have definitely gotten away with murder in A Decent Woman . Quvenzhané Wallis and Lupita Nyong’o would also make wonderful actresses for the young and teenage Ana. Now, that will require penning character interviews on the part of Author Eleanor Parker Sapia so we can know more on Ana's early life before becoming free and some of the other important characters to the story.
Either way and aside my personal reader's demands, A Decent Woman is an unforgettable read that brings back the memory of The Triangular Commerce from my elementary History classes. I recommend it.
My rating: 3.5/5
Thank you for reading,
Papatya*
The Mexican Wife is a short story of 144 pages by author Consuelo Murgia. For me, it was an okay story. The protagonist Mayela is a bit of a superficial malinchist woman but who adapts very well when she faces hardships and comes out of her delusions about Jonathan, a red headed Italian boy she mistook for a Caucasian boy because of his fair skin. She has her eyes set on the boy, thinking he's a doctor and will take her to America. Eventually, he marries her after she pulls a fast one on him with a pregnancy he can't deny. Either he was very naive or he had a high sense of taking responsibility. Jonathan came up biased to me about anyone (Italians, Mexicans, Women, Muslims, you name it, anyone who has been accused by the media of doing something bad). At least, he was an equal opportunity discriminator. That said, he was also the typical man; frugal and careful but not bright enough to escape a woman's tricks.
There was a lot of talking in this story. The characters either seem to prattle on or ignore what the other is saying to them either on purpose or because they are self centered. The story moved quite a bit fast in some areas and they were a lot of change of POVs. Some sentences from the author native language didn't always translate well in English like when Mayela and her girlfriends had a chat, "...Anyways I want you to come with me and so it won't happen anything unsuitable."
I learned a lot from the Italian and Mexican cultures in this tidbit story. Now, if I eat at Chuys in Dallas, Texas I'll know it's an alternative to the name Jesus out of respect for the Prophet. Believers aren't that different. Many people use the name Ahmed instead of Muhammad because of respect too.
Not a bad read. The dry humour is there for sure. For instance, Mayela said to Johnny, "It's you who are cheap. You can't bring money when you die." I just died laughing. They are many more sharp replies like that between the characters of the book.
In conclusion, looks are deceiving but the patient wins. Now, for me who loves flowers, I now know that where they are cactuses, they are vipers. Makes sense right? I mean where there are beautiful gazelles, there are always lions lurking around...But that's a topic for another time.
Rating : 3/5
Thank you for reading,
Papatya*
