(reviewed by Ann Onymous )
The title of this book calls each of us, doesn’t it?
“What does it mean when we say we are social justice activists, and organizers committed to justice and equality for all people?“ I asked the graduates that afternoon. “It means we have made the decision that we will never be bystanders. “And I added: “In an age of alternative facts, fake news, and emboldened racism, and xenophobia, we cannot be silent. We cannot allow the voices of hate and divisiveness to be louder than the voices of solidarity and love.”
Linda Sarsour is a daughter, sister, mother, wife and leader – working on behalf of marginalized people across America. This book is more than a memoir, this is an account of Linda’s journey as she grows into her role as a community organizer, activist, and co-organizer of the Women’s March on January 21, 2016. She served as the Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York at the age of twenty-five. She began translating Arabic to English after 9/11, always representing her faith bravely and inspiring change. She stood up against the Muslim travel ban, she marched with Black Lives Matter protesters and helped the NY School system recognize all religious holidays. She has gone from being the local daughter of a Bodega owner in Brooklyn to a nationally recognized speaker. She has had both admirers and death threats made against herself and her family. Yet, through it all, she continues to be a proud Palestinian and Muslim woman.
I was not familiar with Linda’s life’s work until I read this book. She is not without her critics, but I appreciated her sincere honesty in writing this book and sharing her thoughts aloud with the reader. In the eighth grade her fellow students doubted she was from Palestine, because it wasn’t on the map.
How timely to dive into this book as the US faces another Trump presidency. Published at the beginning of Biden’s years, we are now again faced with increased Islamophobia and hatred.
I recommend this book as we move forward in community – finding beauty and unity in our differences.
