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Umoja's Sisters United and The Islamic Society of Boston University stand in solidarity against racial profiling to present, "Hijabs & Hoodies: Uncovering Social Injustice."
In light of the recent racial profiling incidents targeting people of Middle Eastern and African American descent, we will host a discussion, in hopes of drawing more attention to these injustices and prospects for social change.
On March 21, 2012, 32 year old, Shaima Alawadi was beaten to death in California. Her 17 year old daughter found a note near her body that told the family to go back home. She suffered 6 blows to the head, possibly caused by a tire iron. She died 3 days later.
On February 26, 2012, 17 year old, Trayvon Martin was shot to death by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman alleged that Martin looked suspicious. Many question whether or not the young teen looked suspicious because of the color of his skin and clothing.
There are millions of Shaima Alawadi's and Trayvon Martin's across the nation and their stories need to be told, and it is up to us to put an end to the physical and symbolic violence that these two cases typify.
We may have differing cultures, beliefs, and languages, but racial profiling, although oppressive,may be the common ground that draws us together. No one, no matter if they are wearing a hijab or hoodie, should be dehumanized. We should not be defined by the stereotypes that society burdens us with, nor should we be forced to live our lives in the constant struggle of proving to others that we do not embody those sweeping generalizations. We are all human beings, and we deserve our humanity. |
