“Art is both political and instinctive. During the summer of 2020, when the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest (re)claimed six blocks of Seattle including the SPD’s East Precinct, one of the first things people did was create art. Paintings, music, street art, all of these were necessary in upholding the protest. Palestinian traditional dance – 'dabke' – can be spotted even in the occupier’s line of fire. Under occupation, Palestinians have been prevented from using their flag’s colors in their artwork. The colonizers know: art can spark an intifada.
As both a member of the Palestinian diaspora and an occupier of Duwamish land, my art grapples with the world of exile, displacement, loneliness, and marginalization. I see the effects of western imperialism on my family, our (in)ability to return to Palestine, and our unwilling complicity in the United States’ ongoing colonial projects – in the mainland USA, in Hawai’i, in Samoa, in Puerto Rico, in Guam, in the Virgin Islands, in the Philippines, and in the Arab world. My existence, and therefore my art, cannot be separated from these truths.
Art alone will not decolonize. I ask that if you engage with my art in any way, you donate to one of the organizations below. I’m also highlighting Falastiniyat, an organization I am proud to be affiliated with. It is our collective responsibility to support each other in the struggle against colonialism, ethnic cleansing, cultural erasure, and dehumanization. One of the most powerful things we can do is recognize each other’s humanity and dignity.”
As both a member of the Palestinian diaspora and an occupier of Duwamish land, my art grapples with the world of exile, displacement, loneliness, and marginalization. I see the effects of western imperialism on my family, our (in)ability to return to Palestine, and our unwilling complicity in the United States’ ongoing colonial projects – in the mainland USA, in Hawai’i, in Samoa, in Puerto Rico, in Guam, in the Virgin Islands, in the Philippines, and in the Arab world. My existence, and therefore my art, cannot be separated from these truths.
Art alone will not decolonize. I ask that if you engage with my art in any way, you donate to one of the organizations below. I’m also highlighting Falastiniyat, an organization I am proud to be affiliated with. It is our collective responsibility to support each other in the struggle against colonialism, ethnic cleansing, cultural erasure, and dehumanization. One of the most powerful things we can do is recognize each other’s humanity and dignity.”
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Compensate the Duwamish tribe for their land, resources, and livelihoods.
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Stay engaged with this feminist Palestinian grassroots collective.
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Enable abolition by providing cash bail for marginalized Seattle community members.
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Support Palestinian youth access to theatre and help enable their creative pursuits, providing them with important tools for dealing with the hardships of daily life under occupation.
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Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
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Islamic Relief USA provides relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities. Help victims of the Turkey/Syria earthquake through their site.
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