Muslim Women in my community who exist at the intersections of multiple identities, safety is not a given. The uncertainty, erasure, and anxiety brought on by the events of the last two years necessitate resistance in the form of advocacy and education in order to build safer communities. Alongside resistance, healing in the form of community care allows us to do anti-oppression work sustainably and helps marginalized communities thrive. Healing in the form of artistic mediums, safe spaces for dialogue, and accessible mental health resources are points of focus in my practice. Additionally, anti-oppression work must center solidarity with Indigenous communities, including continued reconciliation and land back efforts. This past year I had the opportunity to serve the community alongside the team at The Green Room using a number of projects. One of the most exciting projects was publishing “Prayers for the Land and the People,” a treaty six community prayer book filled with land acknowledgments written as reflections, prayers, and stories.

Additionally, in 2021 I released a collection of poetry titled “Incantations of Black Love.” This body of work was written in honour of my many communities as a means of healing and to critique erasure and violence. I had the opportunity to perform select pieces from the project for Dr. Angela Davis, thanks to community networks.

Community is at the center of anti-oppression work—it happens alongside and in defence of my communities. Over the past year, this work has taken the form of healing circles in response to the attacks on Muslim women and advocacy for inclusive EPSB holidays in tandem with education about the inter-faith and inter-cultural traditions of EPSB students.

I had the opportunity to learn from organizing circles that mobilized at the height of the BLM protests and local communities that advocated for diverting funds from policing in favour of community support. Organized letter-writing, launching educational campaigns via social media, and presenting to the City council were all made possible by and with the support of communities coming together to enact change.

I am continually inspired by the resilience of a community that was capable of showing up for one another in spite of systemic violence and oppression. It is because of the resilience of my community, the mentorship of elders, and the willingness of other Black women to invest in my safety, growth, and well-being that I am able to thrive.