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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 19, 2017)
July 19, 2017 Page 5 Empowered C ontinued froM f ront how people can practice different customs under one roof. Teachers and administrators at Madison also stepped up their ef- forts to be receptive and supportive of learning about Muslim culture, faith and practices. The alliance set up a prayer room with the support of the school and staff, where Mus- lim students observe their religious call to prayer even during school hours. With the space to fast and the prayer room, the students in the al- liance say they feel empowered for one of the first times in their school career. The support lifted a heavy stress for the students, sophomore Fowzia Ibrahim told the Portland Observer, “By us having a prayer room and having this opportunity, we’re also bringing in a part of our- selves that we left at home and for the most part, our lives. Half our life was here and half our life was there, now we’ve put it together.” After the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001 and the current push by President Trump for a travel ban against countries whose religion is primarily Islam, Muslims in the United States have faced ob- stacles in acceptance and under- standing of their culture, history and traditions. Somali youth make up the third largest immigrant group in Port- land Public Schools. Many Somali families fled their war torn African country through sponsorship by local Christian churches to settle here. Islam is practiced by most Somalis. As the work of the Muslim Student Alliance grew, so did the members. The 20 students, both young women and men, are for the most part Somali. Many of them are Muslim, but the diverse alliance welcomes any person who has an interest. Yasmin Elmi, one of the found- ers of the alliance told the Port- land Observer, “We have grown as Muslims and as human beings together. Last year we weren’t as close. People were not proud to be who they are. As we created this club, we’ve become more proud of what we are and what we be- lieve in no matter what the world is saying about our religion.” The Muslim Student Alli- ance works with affinity student groups who promote understand- ing of black, Latino, African and LGBTQ communities, sharing ideas and resources. By making spaces for one another, they’ve made Madison a more open place for people from all walks of life. They’re also gaining leadership skills which will follow them into adulthood. In January, one week after In- auguration Day, President Trump signed a Muslim travel ban which went into effect shortly after the ink of his signature dried. Much of the immigrant community at Mad- ison was shaken with fear. The Muslim Student Alliance went to work and organized a “teach-in” at the school library. They brought in a volunteer organization to give a presentation called “Know Your Rights.” The students learned skills on handling different situa- tions, how to stay calm and col- lected while moving from fear to resilience. With the help of a Madison art teacher, the Muslim Student Association designed safety pin buttons which read: “We stand against hate, bigotry and racism.” Later that month, as students filled the halls and rushed to their classes, teachers met them at their classroom doors wearing the eye catching buttons. Not only did students feel a sense of safety, welcome and support from their teachers, they were inspired to share the peaceful message even further. The alliance followed up by making hundreds of the pins for any student who wanted one. The group has hosted a race talk, inspired by a similar event at cross town rival Grant High School, to discuss how issues of race and racism impact them as students and young adults in day to day life. The talk was well at- tended by both Madison teachers and students, who shared their cultural experiences. A lesson plan was created by the alliance which was shared for teaching in every Madison classroom. Freshman Ahlam Osman spoke for the alliance by saying, “Part of our mission is to break the stereo- types that people have about Mus- lims. By setting a good example, we’re showing we can succeed, we are a community and we can help other.” The alliance also generated the idea of hosting a multicultural fair at Madison and made it a reality. Over a week, students from dif- ferent backgrounds shared their culture through dance, food and outreach. It was one of the big- gest and most successful fairs that Madison has had. The Muslim Student Alliance has also stepped outside of the Madison community to establish neighborly ties by volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank. They have a trip planned this summer to help clean up Oregon beaches with the group SOLV. Yasmin Elmi spoke for the group of young adults by telling the Portland Observer, “As Mus- lims, we’re supposed to be help- ing each other, feeding the poor, healing the sick. We’re helping our community, while fulfilling our practice as Muslims.” 5010 NE 9th Ave Portland, Or 97211 Phone: 503 284-2989 We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. Call Today or Walk in !!! 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