Advocacy and activism are my passions and callings to which I continuously devote significant effort and time. In particular, my advocacy is rooted in effecting change and highlighting the importance of my voice as a Black Muslim woman in spaces where we often go unnoticed. As such, an issue I am very passionate about and most of my work has been situated in is ensuring the equality of Muslim Women in Alberta. While Islamophobia in Canada is not a new phenomenon, the specific targeting of Muslim Women in Canada is a pressing concern demanding significant action. We must continue to assert the importance of Muslim women’s voices, as shown by Quebec’s discriminatory Bill 21, which seeks to police how people express their faith. I am passionate about this because, based on my lived experiences, that of my fellow Muslim sisters, and in solidarity with other systematically marginalized groups, I believe that nobody deserves to be targeted for who they are.

I believe that unity and effective action emerges from recognizing and appreciating the diverse communities that I am a part of. Much of my activism work is being done with the support of my community and those around me. For example, the creation of my non-profit, the Black Inclusion Association (BIA), would not have been possible without partnering with the three other amazing activists who helped me realize the larger impact we could have collectively than through our passions alone. The work BIA undertakes to better serve our community could not be done without community support and amplification of our efforts or their active participation in joining us to take action. Similarly, being able to surround myself with other Black Muslim Women in Canada doing amazing activism work shows me not only that diversity matters but also the vast impact of such representation.

To me, collaboration and partnerships provide a powerful way to lend your voice in advocating for change. There are many strides being taken to ensure an equitable future for all, as such prioritizing collaboration. This strategy maximizes, uplifts, and amplifies the powerful and often unnoticed action being taken by a multitude of committed individuals.