NEW RELEASE : 'TIGHT ROPE' by SAHAR ABDULAZIZ

June 01, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in WRITING, ENTERTAINMENT ( 5 B4 5), PRESS RELEASE

TIGHT ROPE : A Muslim Socio-Political Thriller

DALLAS, TX — June 1st, 2017. DJARABI KITABS PUBLISHING has officially released Tight Rope by American Muslim Author Sahar AbdulAziz.

Tight Rope 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? Get your copy to find out and seal that decision to own your copy by reading what readers have to say about Tight Rope below.

"Tight Rope is refreshingly real. It paints a worrying picture of the societies that we live in and it serves as a reminder of how lucky some of us are. Tight Rope also reminds us that there are battles being fought every day – people are fighting against prejudice from all corners. And we have a duty to assist them in those fights by acknowledging that they exist and by refusing to let unacceptable behavior continue when we are confronted with it." — The Imperfect Muslimah

"The characters are real and relatable. Sahar AbdulAziz is a great storyteller. She did a good job bringing her characters to life. I was on the edge of my seat turning pages and taking deep breaths. I enjoyed Tight rope and will be interested in other books by the author."— Fabulously Liberated

"The story gives you an inside view into lives of American Muslims post Trump Era , effects of Iraq and Afghanistan war and the rampant racial profiling and growing Islamophobia. It also highlights the flaws within the Muslim society and the division which from the outside world seems so homogenous." — Sana Khan, My Journey With Hijab

"A true page-turner!" — The Umm Afraz Muhammed Blog

"I loved the way the writer brilliantly crafted this story, how she weaved all the characters lives together was incredible." — Shoohada Khanom

"One of my favorite things about the author’s style is how she dedicates chapters to each character. This gives the reader the chance to understand each character’s point of view without, for lack of a better word, getting interrupted by another character’s voice. Another great thing about the chapters is the length with each chapter being about 3 – 5 pages long. This is perfect for readers who have a short attention span and who are only interested in taking in small amounts of information at a time."— Aisha Obi

"The interplay between the various characters in the book is amazing, especially when they start to cross paths." — Christal Joan

“I wrote Tight Rope because of the way my beautiful sisters’ – day after day, year after year have been forced to face down this dehumanization and disrespect – inside and outside of the masjid by Muslims and non-Muslims … attacked and hurt over and over again by this inexcusable behavior. It’s revolting, inhumane, and haram. Allah and His Prophet [PBUH] have instructed that we speak the truth no matter who it offends – So be it,” Abdulaziz told MVSLIM.

Intrigued? Below are links you can follow to get your copy :

Amazon’s eBook link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz-ebook/dp/B071Z6M86N/

Amazon paperback link : https://www.amazon.com/Tight-Rope-Sahar-Abdulaziz/dp/0996709495

Fofky’s Link : https://www.fofkys.com/buy-books-coffee-sweets-and-tea

CONTACTS

Djarabi Kitabs Publishing

PO BOX 703733

Dallas, TX 75370

USA

Email: editor@djarabikitabs.com

TIGHT ROPE

May 04, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in WRITING

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 to find out!

Wassalam,

Papatya*

The Phantom of the Library

April 11, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in WRITING

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

©Papatia Feauxzar 2016

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0

Prominent Americans of Foreign Descent Who Make America Great

February 17, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, SPORTS

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 .

SEVERAL PROMINENT AMERICANS OF FOREIGN DESCENT THAT MAKE AMERICA THRIVE

February 15, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, History

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

ABDULLAH HAMMOUD

TARIQ FARID

SADIA FARUQI

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

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

Meet the Millennials That Are Anchoring Black History Forward

February 06, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE, History

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.

BLAIR IMANI

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.

PATRISSE CULLORS

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.

OPAL TOMETI

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.

DERAY MCKESSON

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 .

ALICIA GARZA

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.

KARIMAH GRAYSON

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?

Peter Thiel’s Donation and What It Means for Minority Groups

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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

TRUMP'S PRESIDENCY : SOURCE OF GREATNESS OR CHAOS ?

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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 Day: A Timeless Dream To Keep Alive

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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.

Why I Give Obama a C+ For His Accomplishments

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in DAILY LIFE

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:

1. His Economic Decisions

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.

2. His Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act

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.

3. His Foreign Policies

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.

4. Obama Care

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.

4 Amazing People Obama Was Rooting For In His Last Presidential Moments

January 31, 2017 by Papatia Feauxzar in SPORTS

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:

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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.’

2. Carli Lloyd

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.

3. Gabby Douglas

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.

4. Ibtihaj Muhammad

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.

...Centric

November 25, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in ENTERTAINMENT ( 5 B4 5)

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

©Papatia Feauxzar 2016

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0

The Revival of The Muslim Golden Age : Generation M

November 20, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in ENTERTAINMENT ( 5 B4 5)

Beauty TiP(h)

November 14, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in WRITING

Now available on Amazon in '...Centric : A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories'

https://www.amazon.com/Papatia-Feauxzar/e/B00JH4H2V0

Homegoing By Yaa Gyasi - A Review

October 06, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in REVIEWS

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 2016 Paralympic Games

September 10, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in SPORTS

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:

Zahra Nemati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mexican Wife by Consuelo Murgia - A Review

July 13, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in REVIEWS

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*

Angel Hands by Cait Reynolds - Of Reviews and Romantic O.G.

July 12, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in REVIEWS

If I had to rename Angel Hands, I would call it, "No Beauty and The Half Beast" because this is how the main characters felt like to me. Cait Reynolds' writing is very subtle and very hot! The scenes are climatic and yet not explicit. If you enjoy non-explicit sultry reads, this is for you. You probably wonder how can a novel be non-explicit yet arousing. Well, read to find out!

So what is it about? Angel Hands is a fan fiction romance story based on Le Fantôme de l'Opéra. The author, Cait Reynolds, started the story where French writer Gaston Leroux's story ended. Life is dull and not challenging for him until Mireille Dubienne, daughter of the new owner of the opera, enters the picture. She's a spinster and a very demanding manager. She also faces gender discrimination and sexual harrasment from men around her who despise the fact that her father gave her accounting and managing responsibilities of the Opéra of Paris. Something Mr. Dubienne (her father)'s reputation could take a hit for. Mireille pretty much overlooks everything about the opera when Erik, le fantôme starts meddling with her production but quickly realizes that he's met his match. The two have mixed anticlimactic encounters before ... well that's where you buy the book to read and find out the rest *laughs* .

I loved the sprinkles of French Expressions throughout the book I haven't heard in a long time. I would have loved to see "Vas te fair foutre" for instance instead of "Go f***k yourself" but hey these are details. The story was still great.

I enjoy reading fan fiction because when we read some stories stay with us and we would like an alternative ending. Especially if the villain doesn't get his happy ending. For me, everyone deserves a chance and thank God for fantasy writing.

Cait Reynolds is a brilliant fantasy romance writer. The only thing that bugged me in my Kindle version was the asterisks that weren't centered. Not sure it was done intentionally. Otherwise, the story was flawless in my opinion and was very realistic. I'm looking forward to see what she does with her character Pierre Buprès. He was a very interesting personage!

My rating: 4/5

Thank you for reading!

If Someone Says “You Complete Me, RUN!” by WHOOPI

July 12, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in REVIEWS

This book is not conservative when it comes to having sex but hey that's life. Everybody is responsible for his choices. It has some funny moments but at first Whoopi's voice was off to me; it's a little too informal for my taste but it grew on me at some point. I also understands that she's trying to say it as it is; no sugar-coating. She said one thing in the book that's true. I'll paraphrase it. She said that if you don't like her book, don't tell others not buy it. She's right. If you don't like it, that's your problem. It's no one's place to make that call for every reader. As a fellow author as well, I agree with that.

Anyways, I also love the fact that she stresses communication from the get go from each party; bride, groom, children, parents, etc. You get the gist, any relationships you might have so that everybody is on the same length and there are no surprises.
The main thing that made me iffy about the book besides the voice is the lack of focus of certain chapters. They often got off track in my opinion if I based myself on their titles alone.
Overall, I didn't hate the book and I didn't like it either. I was meh. So 2.5/5

Secrets That Find Us - Prepare To Be Surprised!

July 12, 2016 by Papatia Feauxzar in REVIEWS

Secrets That Find Us was a sad love story amongst other things. The plot thickened alright! At first, I thought I was up against a mystery novel based on the book cover alone which it is to some extent but it deals with CSA (Child Sexual Abuse), the damages it causes, and the skeletons it leaves behind. As I read, I drew parallels with Abdulaziz's other novel : As One Door Closes.

However, several plot twists in this book threw me off the trail I thought I had guessed. Honestly, I didn't see many things coming. When an author succeeds in leading you astray in the intent of you not guessing the end game, the author has succeeded. And dear readers, Sahar Abdulaziz has succeeded with me!

Summary: Buried Secrets, protected lies, and cunning deception all play a pivotal role in Sahar Abdulaziz’s new Contemporary Fiction, Secrets That Find Us. Seventeen years ago Terri Ann Stone began serving a life sentence, charged with the double homicide of her mother and stepfather. Up to now, Terri’s anger, hate, and relentless commitment to hiding the truth kept her alive behind bars. However, the bitterness that once fueled Terri's center begins to wane. Her pledge to secrecy dissolves. With no prospect of ever being set free, she reveals the entire ugly truth to the single person left in the world who still matters to her. Riddled with intrigue and the ability to destroy, can the power of Terri’s secrets live on, or will disclosure at long last uncover the answers so desperately desired?

I kept 'flipping' the pages of my eBook because like that I said earlier, the plot thickened! When I thought I knew what was going on and BAM, the skillful writer Abdulaziz flipped the script and revealed another secret to Raven who is Terri's baby sister. Terri explained why she killed their parents and uncovered a whole lot of things Raven had no idea about but had wondered about as she grew up because of the elusiveness of the answers to her normal questions had been. Raven who has lived a somewhat perfect life all this while now sees her whole world crashing down. She also starts her legacy of secrets. Secrets are pesky little things I tell you. As much as we want to cover them, they always have a way to find the recipient and reveal themselves.

Get your copy. I guarantee you will be surprised by the twists and turns the story takes with the Mama bears.

Thank you for reading,

Papatya*