The Oasis - Issue 1 by Ayub Ali

As long as there are those that remember what was, there will always be those, that are unable to accept what can be. - Thanos

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

INTERVIEW - JAZI MULTIVERSE

INTERVIEW 34

SISTERHOOD

THE LETTER DESIRE

STRENGTH 52

SERVE

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TEAM

FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF : Ayub Ali | @yubiszn PRINT JOURNALIST / PHOTOGRAPHER : Faduma Hassan @spokendamsel COVER PAGE DESIGNER : Elaff Houmsse @picturemelaughin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER : Hamza Bashir @snapshot_hamza STAFF WRITER : Habiba Barre @habibaxo

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS : Abe Timbo, Hussein Osman, Matthew Smith, Ben Willis NO EVIL EYE LOGO DESIGNER : Sarah Z. Mamo MANY THANKS TO Jasmine Shabazz @JAZIFLOWER

Serve @picturemelaughin Fire & Desire @havananit_ Strength @helga_parismorales @naomirobinson_ @wizzhaneefa @sirquoracarroll @sohio_

Rooney Elmi @ZENONTHEEQUAL No Evil Eye @NOEVILEYECINEMA

Sisterhood @maryamwar , @wahajali , @ayne.hsn, @longlivesamira , @tasyhassan

Instagram : @theoasismag

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Editor’s Letter

he beginning of anything is always nerve-racking. The pit in your stomach and voice in your head that lists every possible reason to not pursue a mission to it's fullest, can be unsettling. I wasn’t sure of a lot of things when I decided to start this magazine and one thing I definitely knew was that nothing truly happens overnight. The desire to connect with so many talented young creators, has been the one constant goal of mine since I started photography in 2016. A desperate need of a network for creatives in our community, a love of art, and the desire to tell spellbinding stories was the inspiration for Oasis. For those new on their journey, I encourage you to look into those opportunities that you often think about and pursue them wholeheartedly. We tend to overlook them and make excuses for ourselves like “not having enough money” or “not being cool or good enough to garner support” and that’s honestly not true. There’s never any real blueprint for following your dreams and ideas. Take it upon yourself to understand why you are doing whatever it is that you are in love with and learn to build yourself up everyday. More than anything, I want you to know this magazine is for you. I can’t possibly hold my excitement in to be able to share this publication with everyone. Thank you & enjoy.

Ayub Ali founder & editor-in-chief instagram : yubiszn twitter : @trustmee_

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Oasis is a digital and print publication for young creatives by young creatives providing refuge, relief, escape, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in a vast creative space. This magazine is geared towards the relentless pursuit of originality and the unbiased, unfiltered take on the world around us.

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Served by a diligent and passionate board, our aim is to provide a platform for artists to showcase the best parts of themselves as well as highlight art in the youth culture . Oasis features stunning photography , captivating stories, interviews of creatives alike as well encourage young creatives to not shy away from their true self.

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Model: Jasmine Shabazz Photographer: Ayub Ali

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Model: Jasmine Shabazz Photographer: Ayub Ali

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JAZI

WRITTEN BY AYUB ALI PHOTOGRAPHY BY AYUB ALI

xpressive, alleviating, soulful, and soothing, are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing Jazi's voice. For those of you who haven’t had the chance to meet Jasmine Shabazz, she is better known by her stage name Jazi. Jazi is a black and Japanese R&B and Lo-FI singer living in Columbus, Ohio. Born and raised in Japan, she also spent most of her life living in Cleveland before coming to the capital. Music has always been a part of Jasmine’s life. Growing up in Japan, Jasmine loved going to Karaoke bars. The music called out to her like a swan song, and it's since been echoing through her heart. Jasmine was first taught to play the piano by her mom who played to her when she was little. Although she didn't quite master the piano, she could play Fur Elise very well. Jasmine played the violin for a short stint in middle school. "I’m mad at myself for quitting in high school because I was really good at it," she confesses. Jasmine also took part in the choir during her high school years before teaching herself how to play the guitar in college. Jasmine's music has now evolved and can only be described as unorthodox yet soothing. I sat down with her to discuss her inspirations, goals, as well as upcoming projects in store for the near future.

I’m more inspired by a song now than a particular artist. If I hear a song and I like how it's produced and engineered, thats when I would get inspired the most .. "

Who are some of your musical inspirations and influences? Why?

I believe it started with Baby Vox which is a veryyyy early 90s K-Pop group I was obsessed with when I was like 11 or 12. Then it grew into an obsession with Morning Musume which is also another 90’s KPop group. I grew out of them and really got into R&B and HipHop because that was what my dad and his ex-girlfriends would play a lot in the car. So 112, Usher, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Destiny’s Child etc. But I had that emo phase in middle school too so I would also listen to Paramore and even heavy metal like Bring Me the Horizon. Then in College, I would start listening to Jimi Hendrix who inspired me to play the guitar, Pink Floyd, The smiths as well as more indie artists like FKA twigs, SZA, Tame Impala, The Internet and Jhene Aiko in 2014. My first song was actually inspired by this Indie R&B artist named Sophia Black. I would like to say all the music I make is inspired by probably a mixture of all of these artists that I was obsessed with growing up and the

music I used to listen to a lot in 2014-2017. Mainly because that was when I actually started experiencing life such as love, friendships and hardships and the music was hitting different when you go through it. I'm not so much inspired by any artists at the moment but I would like to say I’m more inspired by a song now than a particular artist. If I hear a song and I like how it's produced and engineered, thats when I would get inspired the most so I try not to stick to listening to just one genre. "

cording a song?

Walk me through the creative process when writing and re-

“My process some may believe is backwards but it works for me. I usually just write whatever I’m feeling at the moment in my notes app wherever I am. No song playing or nothing. Then when I feel like it, I go on Youtube or Soundcloud to find beats, them “-type beats” videos. Before I press play on the video or hear the music, I get my voice recorder ready then start free-styling the melody into it while I play the video. My first ever melody I come up with be the best ones and I be forgetting right after so I have to record it. Then I find lyrics that best fit the vibe in my notes, modify the lyrics a little, then I go to the studio and record the song. Lofi is like them study elevator music. They be using anime as the background for some reason but I fuck with it. Usually have a jazzy hip hop beat behind it and got that “Low” quality production to it like you can hear statics on purpose. but its a whole vibe.” As for as personal goals go, do you see yourself getting signed or do you believe in taking the independent route, like many artists out right now?

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“I dont believe in it. I’m sure they can provide a lot of resources and help you with promotion and all that but I feel like if people really fuck with your music, you don’t need a label to sign you and you get to keep all your royalties with the technologies we have access to.” While we’re staying on the topic of goals, what are your goals for 2019? “Move out of Columbus for sure and to do more shows outside of Columbus. I haven’t done shows in a minute here because I feel like it isn’t getting me anywhere. But at the same time practice makes perfect and lord knows I need to practice more performing. Finish this EP I’ve been sitting on, as well as building better and meaningful relationships with my fans, networking more, and getting out of my comfort zone. Who are your dream collaborations? “Ooooo, Tyler the Creator for sure, Sza, Pharrell, Kanye, Jhene Aiko, Smino that’s up in top 2, Fka twigs, Tame Impala, and The Internet that’s numero 1.”

“

I want to help people heal or relate and I plan on achieving that by not giving a

fuck about what people think about how I sound because I still

”

feel like I’m holding myself back from being great

In years past, we’ve seen various artists build their brand, such as dabbling in fashion, producing as well as acting. What other avenues do you see yourself

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going into, besides music? “Definitely in fashion. I was into fashion and dabbled in designing when I was 13 or so. Had it named Hobolicious and it’s actually copyrighted. I’m still very into fashion right now but not as much as music. I love art as well, I would love to start back painting and open up a gallery. I can’t act though, I’ll laugh every 5 seconds. What do you want to do to influence others? What sets you apart from other influential people and how do you plan to achieve it? “I want to make music that’s not the norm. Because I can make music that you hear on the radio and kill that shit. but I don’t want to sound like any other artist. I believe that all my songs sound different. Not one of them sound the “same” I want to make people say “hm thats different, I like it” as well as my lyrics touching them too like how Drake and SZA are getting these people in their feelings. I want to help people heal or relate and I plan on achieving that by not giving a fuck about what people think about how I sound because I still feel like I’m holding myself back from being great because I’m too damn shy or care too much. But I’m close though.” Do you have any new projects you’re working on that your fans should know about? “Yes, I am working on an EP right now then a couple Joint EPs with some homies.” How can fans get access to your music and follow you through your journey? “Here is a link where it can take you to whatever platform you listen to. Also follow me on Instagram (@jazzyflower) where I take pictures and where I mostly post promotions for my music.” http://smarturl.it/u5qk4y Make sure to follow Jazi on Instagram & follow her journey on Apple Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Tidal, and Youtube.

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Model: Jasmine Shabazz Photographer: Ayub Ali

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Multiverseâ&#x20AC;?

(noun) - (in physics and cosmology) a hypothetical collection of identical or diverse universes, including our own. - a theoretical reality that includes a possibly infinite number of parallel universes.

Photographer : Hamza Bashir Instagram : snapshot_hamza

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NO EVIL EYE

Interview Conducted By Faduma Hassan Written By Ayub Ali Photography By Ben Willis (Instagram - @lowrcaseb) Logo Design By Sarah Z. Mamo

very great partnership requires a symbiotic relationship. Rooney Elmi worked primarily as a film critic and film programmer. Ingrid Raphaël worked in directing and curating her own projects as well as leading workshops. Skill sets that Ingrid doesn’t have, Rooney has and vice versa. which makes them the perfect duo. This led to the birth of No Evil Eye Cinema. What is No Evil Eye ? What does it represent and what does it offer to the community? “ No Evil Eye is a traveling, radical microcinema specifically here to highlight marginalized voices that have been ostracized from the exhibition of production and moving image, to support those underrepresented filmmakers. We have two goals, basically two halves of our mission, through our programming and through our workshops. In our programming, we would like to have the really, unique, experimental, avant-garde type filmmakers, specifically non-metropolitan audiences in columbus, who wouldn’t have access to the film. And also

“To be invested in the future is to be invested in future voices”

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through our workshops, which we would make free and accessible to local creators to be able to work and collaborate in whatever thing we are doing that week in our workshop.” You mentioned No Evil Eye is traveling, where else can we see this microcinema? “It’s based in Columbus, Columbus is our home. Ingrid and I grew up in Columbus. This is where we came up. This is where we met. We have a love for the city. This is kind of the whole point of [No Evil Eye’s] creation was to have a real, radical cinematic space in Columbus, and there are spaces but in terms of the film scene, it’s more discombobulated and fragmented. So we wanted a space for filmers to come here and create cinema in a sort of a community driven initiative sort of way. In terms of the traveling side of it, we are open to taking it anywhere in the world. Anywhere who wants to host us, hit us up. We’ve gotten a lot of feedback from a lot of cool places; L.A, Baltimore, all over the world actually; and our next stop is going to be New York, we’re going to be in Brooklyn Spectacle Theatre, in a couple of weeks.That’s our first stop and we hope to take it elsewhere. “ How did your experience in the film industry contribute to the creation of no evil eye? I did a lot of odd jobs in the industry and I think with life, all your experiences add up to your next decision. For my experience on the professional side of things, I immediately realized that I don’t like working in an office setting. I also just don’t like listening to the rules at all. I primarily got into the film industry as a screenwriter when I was young like a teenager, and as I got older I broke into the industry doing what any 20-21 year old does with interning work and that kind of blossomed. Afterwards I worked for marketing, post production, then I was like I’m done with this. I never wanted to do this, I just kind of wanted the experience of things. Then I made my movie magazine “SVLLY(wood), and SVLLY was a really cool thing where I was writing, editing and managing different writers and creators. Writing turned into programming, being a film critic and going to festivals, meeting filmmakers, it all helped in terms of filming and creating a microcinema.”

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How did you and Ingrid meet? “We were student organizers at Ohio State, that’s how we met. We did a lot of political organizing and also we’re both africans - young african women - I identify as a woman, Ingrid is non-binary but regardless like, we have respect for one another. Just as people, our energies are very similar. “ What are your pronouns, both of you? “She-Her for me, and Ingrid is She-They. “ Who is your biggest influencer, motivator, inspiration? Is it one person? Multiple? Is it an idea, is it a thing? “That’s such a good question! My biggest influence or inspiration is the future. I’m very motivated by what the future of cinema could look like. For all of us to be young creatives, and to be living in such a really tumultuous but very interesting time. Politically, socially, you guys lived through so many different things. 9/11, The Recession happened, Obama happened, Black Lives Matter happened. We lived through so many different things. To be young and to see and experience all of those things with our own eyes; to know how policies impact culture, culture impacts politics. And to know that, in terms of cinema, like it’s such a baby. It’s still a theatre and to be able to push the paradigm anyway, THAT is what motivates me. That’s what gets me up. That’s what makes me want to do what I do all the time. I’m not inspired by the path at all. Just being a Somali Muslim woman, the history of cinema has not been kind to myself or my people. So I have no interest in that. I understand the history, I know the context, but I’m looking forward to the future. That’s what it’s all about. It’s all about fostering new growth and being public and accessible to as many people as possible. ” Going back to the workshops, providing a way to interact with the community, what kind of things do your workshops explore? “So with our workshops, we had our kickoff May 9th, and then we had a link up to talk more about who we are and how we want to operate. Just talking through it with people because we are growing with the people around us; building a collective, building a community, and network. A week afterwards, we had a 3-part screenwriting workshops, and that was just something that we asked people during the linkup like what do you guys want to see from us? People said “we wanted to try writing out ideas to make movies” so we were like let’s do that. We had a free space with Columbus Scripted Art Center , who were nice enough to collaborate with us. That’s what we did for the first part, but we are going to continue to have different ideas with different spaces and communities. It’s very adaptable. We want to educate as well make it into a coworking space.”

26 What have the reactions been like to the workshops and screenings that you’ve had so far “The reception has been so unreal! Since the second that we announced what we were doing, people showed love like “how can we help? What can we do” For our kickoff at the Wexner Center, people were coming out in the rain, people were coming out in traffic, people were fasting and they still came out. I was like I don’t understand why y’all are doing this but I appreciate it so much! We didn’t expect that to happen. If you are authentic in your vision and execution, people are going to receive it as such. With Ingrid and I, we’ve been building ourselves up individually and creatively to come to a point where we can come together and build No Evil Eye. With this specific sequence, we wanted to reflect the growing immigrant community of columbus, and the changing landscapes. We got this reception that was beyond anything that we could’ve comprehended.”

“

In order to foster new growth, you have to be able to talk to people

“

Coming from the background that we come from, how does your identity impact your work? And how does it impact the youth? “It’s so crucial and vital, my identity completely inforrms my work and influences how I move, the people that I want to impact, etc. I’m not the type of person that puts my identity on my sleeve. You can definitely get people talking from that, but I think that’s very cheap and elementary. I am who I am because of my experience, because of how the world has looked at me and how I view the world. Even as a writer, as a programmer, and as a creator, I am completely invested in the future. To be invested in the future is to be invested in future voices .. and understanding the context of everything. In order to impact culture, you have to change the political arena as well. Working in the arts is a major aspect of that. Being a Somali girl in Columbus and to do what I do, I know it’s a very unique space and a lot of people don’t do it. Making it open and making myself available to whoever hits me up, I always make sure all my social media that I have open DMs especially when young somali girls hit me up. I am always here to answer as much as I can. I have been doing that for years and I hope to continue doing that. The accessibility is everything! In order to foster new growth, you have to be able to talk to people.”

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tinue doing that. The accessibility is everything! In order to foster new growth, you have to be able to talk to people.” Speaking of the future, what are your goals for the near and long term future? “That’s a good question! Right now I’m serving 3 year plans, because that’s more attainable. You can kind of see your life in 3 years rather than 10 years. For me, I want to continue what I’ve been doing, building what I’ve been building in terms of the microcinema [ No Evil Eye ] and my magazine [ SVLLY(wood) ]. I primarily work in the field of moving image and cinema so InshaAllah {God Willing}, I want to be able to direct and film my own project. I want to learn the necessary skills and continue

building on the base that I’ve been doing. I want to have diversity and representation in the forefront in a genuine way rather than a politically vacant way where people say they are going to do diverse but they don’t mean it. I want to build on our mission statement with writing and directing. Being a filmmaker, that’s what I would love to see myself in 5 years so InshaAllah {God Willing}, all that works out!”

Instagram : noevileyecinema Twitter : noevilcinema NO EVIL EYE accepts short films on a rolling basis

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Intermission...

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r e tt e L e h T Written By Habiba Barre Photography By Hussein Osman

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THE LETTER Riya opened her eyes at the blaring sound of her alarm clock. Waking up was somehow much more painful on Mondays than it was any other day. She felt around on her bedside table until she found the button to mute the ring. Most people Riya’s age used the alarm clock on their cell phone, but she didn’t like being so dependent on her phone. She knew that if she kept her phone by her pillow, she would spend the whole night shamelessly scrolling through social media and entertaining useless conversation. She preferred spending her free time alone and away from constant contact with other people. Her friends hated that about her, but that’s just the way she was. It had been five months since she moved out on her own. Not by choice, of course. Riya loved living with her family. But she received a job offer at a public relations firm in New York City straight out of graduation. She always knew that her field would take her out of Columbus, but she was hoping it wouldn’t have been so soon. She came from a quiet family in an even quieter neighborhood. The chaotic and loud lifestyle of NYC was surely refreshing, but nothing like what she was used to. It’s safe to say that five months had not been enough time to adjust. Riya put her glasses on and sat up straighter in her bed. She grabbed her remote and turned the television on. She flipped the channel to the local news and increased the volume when she saw the face of a Somali man.

There wasn’t a lot of those in NYC. “I think it’s important to have more diversity in politics. Even if it is just at the local level. Growing up, I didn’t see many people that looked like me and came from where I came from representing me in my community.” the man said. She looked at the bottom of the screen where his name was written. Haytham Mohamed. "You’re pretty young.” the female reporter said. “Don’t you think that’s going to be a disadvantage?” “I’m glad you think 32 is young.” he laughed charmingly. “Let’s do the math here.” he suddenly said a lot more seriously. I’m a Muslim man. Add Somali immigrant to that. Add the fact that I grew up in low income housing. Oh, don’t forget the fact that I was raised by a single mother. I also graduated college three years later than the majority of my peers. The odds are already against me. There’s no chance that I’m going to let age be what stops me.” he smirked. The reporter sat back in awe and smiled. “Well I wish you the best of luck in your campaign for a seat in New York’s House of Representatives.” she said as she reached out her hand for him to shake. “Thank you, thank you. I appreciate it.” he grinned. He shook her hand and the camera cut back to the studio. Riya quickly shut her TV off and prepared to get ready for work so that she wouldn’t be late. She wondered how she hadn’t heard of Haytham prior to this morning.

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A Somali politician in her town should have definitely caught her attention. She pulled her phone out of her drawer and shuffled her Spotify playlist for background music as she prepared for her day. She walked up to her bathroom mirror and shuttered at the sight of her tousled hair. She tied it up into a bun “Thank God for hijab.” she whispered to herself. She quickly took a shower and applied the little bit of makeup she wore daily. A little concealer, blush, mascara, and lipstick. She wrapped a cream colored hijab around her head and was ready to take on her day. Riya walked into her office and didn’t even get the chance to sit down before an intern rushed in. “Michael wants to talk to you.” she announced. “Already?” Riya sighed. “I just got here.” Michael was the man she had to answer to. Since she was a girl and the

youngest in the firm, her duties usually consisted of the dirty work he didn’t want to do. Him asking for something first thing on a Monday morning must have meant that he had a heavy load for her to get started on. She stood up and made her way down the hall to his office, which was three times the size of hers. Riya opened the door without knocking and was met with the gaze of a familiar face.“Did you forget that we knock around here?” Michael laughed and put his hand on the other man’s shoulder. He awkwardly smiled in return. “Sorry, I didn’t know you had a guest.” Riya smiled and adjusted her hijab. “Juwayria?” the other man asked. “Yes!” she exclaimed. “And you must be Haytham. I saw your interview on TV this morning.” “And what did you think?” he asked as he raised an eyebrow. “Well I only caught the end

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of it but from what I gathered you seemed really put together and well spoken.”

let’s go to my office and you can tell me some more about what you expect from me.”

“You see, we prerecorded it and I was almost afraid that they were gonna edit it and make me sound like an idiot.” he snorted. “I’m glad that wasn’t the case.” “Riya, I called you in here for a reason.” Michael interjected. Haytham actually requested you.” “Me?” she asked. “Why?”

“Perfect.” he smiled.

“I want an 100% Somali team behind me.” he said as he stood up. “Or at least as close to 100% as I can get. You’re the only Somali public relations associate in town.”

“So, do you always want to meet here?” he asked as he sat across from her. Riya got a good look at his face. He was almost too handsome. Perfectly straight white teeth, smooth brown skin, and a clean haircut. The strong smell of his cologne almost clouded her judgement.

“You’ve done your research.” she nodded.

“Not necessarily. I’m guessing you have a campaign office? We can just meet there when we have to.”

“Of course.” he smiled. Riya noticed that he smiled a lot. Probably because he was so good at it “So what do you say?”

“Sounds good.” he nodded. “Now that we’ve discussed business, tell me more about yourself, Juwayria.”

“I mean, I’ve never actually taken a client on my own.” she said nervously. “I usually help with Michael’s.” “Well, I guess it’s time to shake things up.” he shrugged. “I’m giving you a big shot here, Juwayria. Please help me out.” She looked over at Michael and he nodded at her in agreement. “I’m going to need some time to think-“ “Please.” Haytham interrupted seriously. He locked eyes with her and shifted his gaze up and down. “I need you, Juwayria.” “Okay.” she agreed sheepishly. “Um,

“Well you can start off by not calling me that.” she laughed. “Not even my parents call me that.” “What do you prefer then?” he asked. “Riya is good.” “Riya.” he repeated. “I usually don’t like nicknames but that’s a cute one.” “Is there anything specific you want to know?” she asked, trying not to blush from his compliment.

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“I want to know whatever you think is important for me to know.”

“What about you? Are you married?” she asked.

“Well I’m 23. I’ve been working here for about five months now. I graduated from OSU.”

“No. Recently divorced actually.”

“I know all that.” he interrupted. “Tell me something I can’t find online.”

“No need to apologize.” he said. “It was definitely for good reason.”

“Oh, so you really did your research.” she laughed.

“I’m sure it was.” she said. “Any kids?”

“I like to know who I’m dealing with.” he responded. “Well I have one older brother, no sisters.” “Are you married?” he asked. “Not even close.” she snorted. “Why the laugh?” he asked, clearly amused. “You’re in New York City, and you’re telling me there’s no potentials here for you?” “It’s not even that.” she rolled her eyes. “Like I said, I’m from Columbus. There were Somali men on every corner there. But I barely see any Somalis here. It really limits your options.” “So you’re strictly Somali?” he laughed. “Of course.” she said adamantly. “Nobody understands us like we understand each other. “That’s very true.” he agreed. “Well I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Not yet. But definitely one day.” he said as he looked down at his phone. “I should probably get going. I have a meeting in an hour. It was nice meeting you, Riya.” he said as he stood up. “I’ll definitely be keeping in touch. Are you free this Wednesday?” “I should be. Why?” “You’re the last piece of my puzzle. I want you to meet the rest of my team. I was thinking we could all meet at my campaign office. I’ll order dinner and we can each get acquainted with one another. How does that sound?” “Sounds good.” she smiled. “What time?” “6 pm. But don’t worry, I’ll text you to remind you.” he smiled. It was nine on a Tuesday night and Riya was already in bed watching a Lifetime movie on TV. She was just about to tuck her phone into her drawer when she felt it vibrate. “Riya?”

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“Yeah, who’s this?” she responded.

“Does it bother you?” he asked. “I mean you did say nobody else calls you that. If you haven’t noticed already, I kinda like to stand out. Maybe you could make the exception for a new friend?” She gasped and threw her head back in laughter.

real life and over text. As she tossed and turned, she could almost smell the strong scent of his cologne that she couldn’t get out of her office. It was too late. She was definitely crushing. But she couldn’t even blame herself. Haytham was a breed of Somali man that she had yet to encounter in her twenty three years. Riya shut her eyes and tried to think of other things. That would be hard, considering she had yet to let him escape her mind since the second he opened his mouth to speak to her “You’re ridiculous.” Riya’s older brother Liban said over the phone. “It’s been five months and you haven’t come back to visit once. My dumb sister leaves Columbus once and thinks she’s too good to come back.” he sneered. Liban was two years older than Riya but was always the more mature one in comparison. “Listen. I’m coming back this weekend. I promise you guys will have my undivided attention once I’m there. I’ve just been so busy with work, Liban.” she whined. “Whatever you say. Hey, your friends really miss you by the way. I saw a few of them at the movies the other night.”

“Not even for you.” she responded.

“Who?”

“Well it was worth a try. Have a good night. See you tomorrow.” Riya shut her phone off and put in her drawer. She laid back down in her bed and noticed her heart beating at a weird pace. She knew exactly what her body was doing. It was making her develop yet another unnecessary crush. She felt her cheeks getting hot at the thought of their conversation. Both in

“Fatima and them. The whole squad.” he answered. Riya smiled at the thought of her college friends. They were once inseparable and attached at the hip. She suddenly longed for the simpler times when they would hang out for hours after class and talk about their futures with excitement. They were all up to big things but she never imagined falling out with so many of

“Your new friend Haytham.” “Hi new friend.” she quickly sent back. She immediately threw her phone and cringed at the quickness at which she responded. “Don’t forget we’re on for tomorrow night.” he responded within a few seconds. He then followed up with the address of his office. “Okay. I’ll be there.” “See you then, Juwayria.” “What did I tell you about calling me that?” she asked.

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them because their conflicting schedules.

body else staring at her also.

“Did they say anything?” she asked.

“And you?” Haytham asked.

“They asked why you fell off the grid.”

“Oh, sorry.” she giggled. “I’m Riya, I’m representing my public relations firm and we’ll be handling the majority of the PR for Haytham’s campaign.”

“I’ve just been really busy.” she repeated. “No time for social media anymore and I guess I’m still just trying to figure out this whole long distance friendships thing.” “I’m about to head to work, sis. It was nice talking to you.” “I’ll see you in a few days. Promise.” she said into the phone before hanging up. She threw her phone on the bed and tried to shake the strong feeling of nostalgia rushing over her. Riya has to focus on getting ready for her meeting with Haytham. Riya was amazed at the number of people in the room that relocated to New York City to work for Haytham. Though impressed, she wasn’t surprised. Somalis always had a way of supporting one another and going above and beyond for each other. Riya was the only person residing in NYC prior to his campaign. There were about a dozen people in the room and they were all there for a single common purpose, to help Haytham win the election. Everybody went around the room and introduced themselves while they ate. Riya always had a bad habit of zoning out while others talked and this meeting was no exception. She couldn’t help but to stare at Haytham while he listened to everybody intently with a slight smile on his face. He turned to look at her and she felt her heart skip a few beats. She then noticed every-

“You’re like seventeen.” a flamboyant guy in a plaid shirt snickered. “Twenty three actually.” Riya corrected him. “This girl is impressive.” Haytham announced. “She was hired straight out of college and has interned fairly honorably. Don’t let the baby face fool you.” he winked. Riya felt her face get hot again. Only two days into knowing this man and he already had this sickening effect on her. “Thank you.” she responded. “And you?” she asked the guy that questioned her age in hopes of getting the attention off of her. “What’s your name?” “Mohamed. I’m his best friend.” he pointed at Haytham. “The most important role in the room.” Haytham laughed. “I saw you staring at him.” Mohamed whispered to Riya. Everybody was headed out the door and she was still gathering her things. “What are you talking about?” she asked.

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“Like I saw you looking at him. You like him or something?” “Are you serious right now?” Riya laughed. “Is this high school?”

“It’s going to be a shorter route if I drop you off before her.” the Uber driver responded as he looked at both of them through the mirror.

“Oh, you like him.” he pointed at her accusingly. “Wanna know what’s funny?”

“That’s fine. I want her to be dropped off first.” he assured the driver.

“Are you bothering her?” Haytham interjected before Riya could respond.

“No, it’s-“

“Not at all.” Mohamed smiled. “Shall we get going?” “Yeah I already ordered the Uber. Do you wanna ride with us, Riya?” “No, it’s fine.” She declined politely. “I’ll just take the subway.” “Nah, you’re riding with us.” Mohamed said. “Come on, a free Uber ride? You can’t say no.” “He’s right.” Haytham agreed. “It’s outside. Let’s go.” Riya grabbed her bag and followed behind them. They got to the car and Mohamed quickly opened the passenger side door and got in. Haytham cut in front of Riya and opened the door. She looked at him with wide eyes.“What? You’ve never seen a man with manners?” he asked as he circled around the other side. She tied her seatbelt as the smell of his cologne filled the car. “Where do you live?” he whispered to her. She told him the address and he told the Uber driver to drop her off after Mohamed.

“Don’t worry about it.” Haytham said. The first few minutes of the ride were overpowered by the sound of Mohamed asking the Uber driver a million and one questions. “Is he always this talkative?” Riya whispered to Haytham. “Always.” he nodded. “It’s great entertainment, though. Mohamed is always a good time.” “Are you guys talking about me?” he asked as he unbuckled his seatbelt. The car slowly came to a stop. “I’ll tell you tomorrow.” Haytham laughed. “Have a good night.” Mohamed waved at both of them from behind the window as the car sped up again. “So, what are your plans for this weekend?” he asked her quietly. The street lights shined through the car windows and lit up his face. She could see him clearly despite it being dark outside. “I’m going home for the weekend.” she

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sighed. “You don’t sound too excited.” he said, clearly concerned. His gaze made her nervous. She cupped both of her hands into her lap. “I am excited.” she assured them. “I’ve just been gone for five months and I haven’t been too good at keeping in contact so I know some people will be upset with me.” “Keeping in contact with loved ones is so important. I know life can get extremely busy but you can’t forget where you came from.” he said slowly. “Is that why you keep Mohamed with you?” “Yes, actually. I need my people around me.” he explained. “I’m sure you have plenty of people around you.” “I didn’t say people. I said my people.” “So how does someone become one of your people?” she mocked. “Stick around and find out.” he said. She felt it again. The butterflies. She started fidgeting with her hands to remain cool. “Riya.” he said. “Yeah?” she turned to look at his face. “You don’t have to be nervous around me.” “Nervous? Where?” she asked. “I’m not nervous.”

“You just seem like a shy girl.” he smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m just saying you don’t have to be like that around me. I know I’m older than you and I seem intimidating but I swear I’m not.” he said as the car came to a stop. “Noted.” she said as she grabbed her bag and stepped out of the car. “Thanks for the Uber.” “Have fun at home. Tell your family I said hello.” he said. She nodded and shut the door. Haytham took a deep breath as the car went back in motion. He wiped his sweaty hands on his pants and silently hoped that she didn’t notice that he was just as, if not more, nervous as she was. Riya packed lightly and got ready for bed. She did her skincare routine and tied her hair back. An hour and a half had passed since she came back home and not a second went by that she didn’t think about Haytham. That was the terrible thing about crushes. They were all encompassing. Simple things like packing, showering, and cleaning were perfect opportunities to daydream about the other person. You get stuck down a rabbit hole of fantasies that could very well never happen but the mere thought of them makes your heart skip multiple beats. All of this for a person you barely know. Crushes make you feel crazy. And nobody likes feeling crazy, especially Riya. Riya got into bed and opened her bedside drawer to place her phone inside. She felt her heartbeat slow down and for a moment she felt guilty. Tomorrow she would go back to Columbus and the thought of that opened a door of feelings that she had worked so hard

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to suppress. She felt around and pulled an envelope out. Riya opened it and braced herself to read the letter that she replayed in her mind on the flight to NYC five months ago. She would never forget how the words written made her feel. Riya, You’re leaving tomorrow so what other chance will I ever get to tell you all of this? Read this with an open mind and just know that my words are sincere. I love you. You might not believe me but I do. Wallahi I do. If only you knew how often I beg Allah that He wrote our two names next to each other. Life has this funny way of keeping two people that belong together apart. Not having you as mine has not only made me patient, but it’s made me realize that I cannot live my life without you. Now that I’m aware of this, you’re leaving for God knows how long. New York City is a magical place and I know that you’re going to thrive and be the wonderful and successful woman that I know you are. Don’t hold back for me. Build your career, make new friends, and experience life. You deserve it all. All I ask is one thing. Please don’t fall for anybody else. I’m not asking you to wait for me. I’m asking you to wait for us. Our early twenties weren’t made for you and I to be together. But I’m willing to give you the rest of my life after that. I’ll be home in Columbus and I’ll work on myself. I’ll be here when you get back. Or maybe I’ll come there one day. Who knows? I just know that our time will come. It’s going to be Riya + Ayman again.

Until then, please Riya….do not give up on us. I promise that I won’t. Ayman Riya wiped a tear from her cheek and put the letter back in the envelope. For a split second, Haytham was off her mind. And the bittersweet thought of going back home and potentially seeing Ayman kept her occupied until she fell asleep.

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TO BE CONTINUED Second installment of THE LETTER set to release Fall of 2019. Stay Tuned.

STRENGTH Photographer : Abe Timbo Instagram | @shotbypreme

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PHOTOGRAPHER : HUSSEIN OSMAN| INSTAGRAM : WUTANG_A

MODEL: ANNA MONGE| INSTAGRAM : HAVANANIT_

Photography By Matt | Instagram : killr_aesthetics

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PROUDLY

a series by

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Ayub Ali

Model: Ayub Ali | Instagram : yubiszn

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Photography By Ayub Ali

Model: Elaff Houmsse | Instagram : picturemelaughin

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Acknowledgments

any thanks to all who took part in this issue. I can't express my gratitude to have been able to not only collaborate with so many amazing, young and talented artists, but to all the personal relationships I've made throughout this project. Thanks to my amazing team and to all the contributing writers, photographers, and those who had a hand in making this publication possible. Thank you to all those who have supported Oasis from the beginning. And lastly, thank you to my biggest supporter, Ayat Aweis, who continuously motivates & inspires me everyday.

Ayub Ali founder & editor-in-chief instagram : yubiszn twitter : @trustmee_

SEE YOU THIS FALL.

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