“IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING
[in the wise words once
spoken by Rosa Parks]
YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.”
There comes a time when we have to look at ourselves in the mirror, figure out where we stand, and determine if we are willing to suffer the consequences of our beliefs.
The realities of genocide and occupation have haunted humanity for long enough.
What sets today apart is that these terrible acts are now seen everywhere, impossible to ignore. Legacy media is collapsing, and we are bearing witness. Our world is so connected, forcing us to confront truths. Together. In real time. The time is NOW.
Time is crucial for our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza. So, I ask you, where do you stand?
Though I'm certain of my stance, there are days when I can't shake the feeling of uselessness in the face of the cause. It's a stark privilege to feel "upset" knowing that humans IN MASS are being MURDERED.
Perhaps we may not all see eye-to-eye on the politics at play, but can't we universally condemn mass murders as utterly inhumane? Wait, we already did that in 1948. Despite the United Nations' vow of "Never Again" following the Second World War, genocide and mass violence continue to persist. Why is this STILL happening? Make it make sense.
I can’t tell you where you should stand, you need to figure that shit out for yourself, but complacency can be a dangerous mindset. I strongly believe that change can only emerge through awareness and conversations that lead to massive different actions.
My version of street art this week ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As an artist, I believe I must create. As a designer, I aim to harness my skills to raise awareness.
Residing in Ottawa, I aim to back activist groups within the city and help them “suit up” for their work. I'm committed to donating some merchandise to help bolster awareness and rally support for their causes.
I came across this interview
posted by BELLY of the BEAST
with longtime activist
Alice Walker.
A great reminder that
activism has many forms.
FULL interview : HERE
There are numerous ways to engage, and these are just a few I've explored thus far.
5 ways you can show up for Palestine:
Pray and Reflect: prayers and good intentions from all faiths are welcome
Educate Yourself: understanding the geopolitical context is key
BDS Movement: Boycott, Divest and Sanction: https://bdscoalition.ca/
Join a Protest: for updates on the latest #FreePalestine/#CeasefireNOW events and activities in Canada and the U.S, check out the following organizations on IG:
Palestinian Youth Movement: @palestinianyouthmovement
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle-East: @cjpmeofficial
Labour for Palestine Canada: @labourforpalestine – Ottawa: @labour4palestineott
Use Your Social Media: 3 ways that have an impact:
A) Stop engaging with unrelated content: flood your posts/stories with Palestinian content
If you appreciate my CEASEFIRE Mouth Design, feel free to download a Social Media pack by clicking HERE
B) Amplify and engage with Palestinian voices
C) Ctrl the algorithm: Like/Comment/Share/Subscribe to lots of Palestinian content
Every generation
holds its own truth within
the melodies and lyrics of its music.
Here are a few of my current favourites.
Karter Zaher x Jae Deen x Shadi Akhi - WE WON'T FORGET (Music Video)
ALI SOULFUL - PRESSURE (Official Lyric Video)
Palestine Street Rap & Otsha - I'm Palestinian Live
Eddy Mack Ft. Batata - The Sound Of War
MC Abdul - Palestine [FREEVERSE]
ALL WE HAVE IS NOW
CEASEFIRE
LANDBACK
**Big shoutout to Malika Bourboun and Vanessa Gomez, my partners in activism- united we stand.
