Integrity is integral

Freewriting

"I'm an empath... I like integrity, and transparency. I would rather hear painful truths then beautiful lies. I like authentic. I like people being real and honest inward and outward. Artificial or superficial doesn't sit well with me, and sadly being one who has learnt to understand between the lines, and the language of body and silence... there is so much you give away.

Be real, be you." 

© Aisha Mirza

Object Journeys

Who needs a valentine when you spend the day with these ladies 😍

The CSG South Asian Women's Group supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, finally saw the fruits of their labour with some of their selected work on display, as part of the British Museums "Object Journeys" exhibition at Manchester Museum. This comes ahead of the new permanent feature which will be developed over the next few years examining South Asian communities.

Such a proud moment for the whole team mashAllah.

May Allah preserve them with health and happiness ameen.

#loveelderlyfolk

Poetry Performance with CADFA

Raising awareness and raising voices with CADFA tonight, which bring people together to promote human rights in Palestine.

Through powerful poetry, and beautiful prose we heard about the violations of human rights there aswell as in our lives here. Be it in the building of walls, checkpoints, confiscation, settlements, movement restrictions, arrests, detentions, or be it in islamophobia, xenophobia, the impact of Brexit, the looting of culture, and our mother tongues thanks to the Prevent agenda; people's lives, including women, children, and the elderly are affected daily.

Doesn't every human have a right to live in peace?

Thankyou Ali for inviting me to perform. Been a while, so was wonderful to share a platform with amazing Manchester talent Mash'Allah.

The Boy Who Said Nothing

Amazing evening last night organised by the Bosnian Supplementary School Manchester. They invited the writer/poet/actor Mirsad Solakovic to share his new book "The Boy Who Said Nothing."

Mirsads poetry gives the reader an insight into the days of war from the perspective of himself as a 13 year old boy, captured and tortured at the hands of his teacher who once revered him, and the survivors of the war. He meanders through not only the devastation and destruction which was unleashed upon them but also emits hope, resilience and courage of a people who sought no revenge and still fight for peace.

He shared how important it was for people to write and speak about what they endured. "Everyone has a story even if it be a page" he said, but it was vital for him and others to share them. He said that "If we are not writing our own stories someone else will and this could mean authenticity is lost." He reminded us that if we do not reflect on the past we were in danger of losing our history to those who wish to erase, deny, or forget it, or becoming complacent about the here and now.

He said it was vital in the face of growing racism, and anti-muslim rhetoric, that we spoke up and worked even harder as Islam teaches us, to spread love and compassion.

Such a pleasure to meet you Mirsad and I thank you humbly for sharing your journey. You are an inspiration. May Allah preserve you always Ameen.

To purchase the book.

rxe.me/37QWBC

pictures © Aisha Mirza February 2017 

Manchester Unites

4th of February 2017

Remembering Srebrenica Cohesive Awards North West 2017

It was an honour to receive an award last night for the "Best Community Focussed Event" at the Remembering Srebrenica Cohesive Society Awards and to celebrate so many amazing events and contributions over the last year.

For me personally it has always been about the voice and narrative of the victims and survivors. To ensure that their stories are heard, their experience is never pushed aside. Especially the voice of the women; who suffer the most in any war or conflict.

It has been after meeting Bosnians who remain scarred from a war which they never could have imagined. This often leaves me reflecting on how easy the seeds of hate can be planted, and if watered enough with propaganda, hateful speech and corrupt ideologies can grow from verbal to physical violence, to something far more destructive and sinister.

It doesn't stop here. The work has to continue through education of the past, but the current day experience of all those who suffer injustice, feel marginalised, dehumanised, stigmatised, stereotyped, who experience prejudice due to their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or disability.

We must continue to give voice to the voiceless, continue to stand for truth and justice, and continue to fight against those who wish to create divisive communities.

Well done to all volunteers and champions, and those who work tirelessly to make a difference.

Pictures©Aisha Mirza February 2017