Words are powerful. The right words can provide shades of meaning, nuance, and clarity of expression. The words we use to tell our stories, describe our identities, and disrupt oppression are particularly powerful. In a world that doesn’t always appreciate the rich diversity within the Muslim American community, we need space to develop our language and skill to better describe ourselves and understand others. Literary Societies are part of our history and provide opportunities for creative expression and collaboration.

This month we're continuing to look at Muslim Women in Movements, in commemoration of Black History Month, we’ll delve into Black Muslim Women’s contributions to movements in the United States. From Slavery to the Black Lives Matter Movement, Black Muslim Women have been an integral part of social justice movements. Black Muslim Women are woven into the fabric of the fight for equality. Unfortunately, their contributions do not receive the level of acknowledgement they should, our focus will be to recognize the contributions made and foster a sense of appreciation for their willingness to sacrifice in order to make the world a better place for all. Our discussions will focus in particular on the following questions:

• Who are some Black Muslim women activists you admire or have learned about?

• How can we create spaces and provide meaningful support for Black Muslim women to thrive?

• What new insights or information stood out to you?

• What support do movements led by Black Muslim women need to flourish, and how can we become better allies?

Join us for a movie screening and discussion at our next Literary Society on Sunday February 9th! You can access the full reading list here.