When I was in middle school, I decided to wear the hijab. I remember the first time I wore it. I wore this white hijab with tiny diamonds on it. I hated wearing white but I really wanted to look nice. My hijab was wrapped around my dark face. It was my first day as … Continue reading “Since when did you become Muslim?”
“Not even water?!”
The smell of coffee tingled Marwa's nostrils as she breathed in deeply. She shook her head and sighed. It was the first day of Ramadan. First day she couldn't drink her usual cup of hot hazelnut coffee with french vanilla cream. First day of the blessed month. Glancing at her gold watch, she knew she … Continue reading “Not even water?!”
An Analysis: Power and Being Black in America
The stories around me that are being told are the stories of being Black in America. Thinking about the different modalities, especially visual, the portrayals of the mistreatment of Black people in the media is a story that I am told on a daily basis. Whether it is on news programs, or on television programs, … Continue reading An Analysis: Power and Being Black in America
“You must marry an African man!”
Yeah. You read the title right. Guess who said that? My mom. So a few months back, my mom was talking to my aunt at her hair salon. They were talking about marriage, and my aunt asked my mom when I will get married. Yes, she's one of those aunties at parties that always asks … Continue reading “You must marry an African man!”
Anti-blackness.
My friend was telling me a story of how his roommate disliked black people. For some reason, majority of the conversations I am in, somewhere along the lines, the topic of anti-blackness emerges. Whether I'm having a conversation with my friend about what type of person they would bring home, how parents feel about black … Continue reading Anti-blackness.
self hate blame
Mama, I’m sorry. I am not the perfect daughter you have always dreamed of. Instead I am your nightmare. Praying to God for me While I squeeze your heart, till it begins to bleed black You approach me with kindness Your words melting into my ears, But mama, I am broken. I can never be … Continue reading self hate blame
talking about mental health in an African home.
This is a topic that we do not discuss in my house. At all. I have always wanted to talk to my parents about my mental health. Yet, every time my feet are ready to move, they are glued to the floor. And every time I am ready to speak, my mouth becomes dry and … Continue reading talking about mental health in an African home.
yes honey, representation matters.
I've come to realize that I love watching biographical films. They are fascinating and much more interesting than any other genre in my opinion. I remember watching the biographical film of Nina Simone, which is called Nina. The film was okay, it could have been better, but I'm not here to talk about the deliverance … Continue reading yes honey, representation matters.
mother diaries.
There are times when I am given a look of disappointment from my mother as if I was the wrong fetus that was in her womb for nine months. I sit and I wait. I do everything possible to please a woman who sees me as- a regret? I am behind a wall that infringes … Continue reading mother diaries.
complex
i am tired. i've worked too hard and too long, everyday explaining your privilege to you. i never know the best way to tell you. i can never open my mouth, and say "you're racist." because we know your answer to that. you're unappreciative. telling a group of black people that they are too loud, … Continue reading complex
The Life of an African Girl in America 