By Marwa AdinaWhen Chance the Rapper came out with the song “Blessings,” Everyone sang along. Because when the praises go up, the blessings come down. But what if I cover-up, Wear a headscarf all around, And said the same phrase, To exemplify my praise? But in Arabic Why does it become politics When I say Allahu Akbar…
By Marwa AdinaA ghoonghat is a veil worn by several women, both Hindu and Muslim, in northern India as part of their culture. The ghoonghat is worn to cover both the face and head of women. Think: burqa — except full-faced in order to conceal an individual’s identity from an older male. Similar to how the hijab…
By Marwa AdinaAs many of us have had to force our tongues to learn English, this is an ode to my mother tongue, Arabic, reminding me to never let go of my roots. This poem only illuminates its true message when read twice; once fully top to bottom, and then back up from bottom to top. In the…
By Marwa AdinaIn the video: Marwa Adina and Dena Igusti. Also co-written by: Justice Hehir. Recorded from: Verbal Mayhem Poetry Collective — Being a woman in a horror movie You will end up one of two ways Naked in your underwear, Beautiful victim Or you live long enough To become the bitch that no one likes. No one will…
By Marwa AdinaMay 13, 2006 You tell your grandmother Theres no need to pick you up from the main entrance of the school You can meet her around the corner Because she wears a headscarf with no apology And it is only five years after 9/11 May 14, 2006 Your friends tell you patriotism is a holy…
By Marwa AdinaToday’s our day, girls. As you read this today, take a deep, diaphragmatic, breath. Watch your stomach fill up with air. Be full of life. Right before you exhale, let out a smile. A smirk. A giggle. Today’s our day, girls. We have been targeted and opposed before we were even born. It doesn’t come as a surprise to…
By Marwa AdinaJust three weeks into his seventh year at Beckfoot Upper Heaton, 11-year-old Asad Khan died just moments after being found unresponsive at his home in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England last Wednesday, Sept. 28. Several family members stated that Khan told them he had been tormented by bullies upon entering the school year. “He came across as a very confident…
