MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Healing the World Through Spoken Word Performances Using passionate poetry to vent one’s frustrations and dreams BY NOSHIN BOKTH
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midst the incessant strife of life and war, we often turn to one another for respite. If we look closely, we can hear the soft cadence of compassion from sisters Kashmir Maryam and Aishah Alam, founders of the nonprofit The Strangers Poets Organization (https:// www.facebook.com/Thestrangersorg). Their illustrious spoken word performances have suffused our world with poetic justice. The sisters, originally British Muslims, stand resolutely as pillars for social justice and community responsibility. Through this inimitable platform of spoken word poetry, they are working indefatigably to clear misconceptions about Islam, uphold human rights and empower Muslims Aishah Alam worldwide. Established in 2014, the organization’s mission is “to make Muslims less “I was over the moon. It was the perfect way strange in a world that is plagued with mis- for us to funnel our passion for spoken word conceptions about the religion of Islam.” poetry while providing a platform for young They strive to educate not only through Muslim writers.” poetry, but also through a myriad of creative Although both sisters celebrate the art aptitudes. As founder Aishah ruminated, of poetry and are spoken word performers, the platform is centered around a profound Aishah views herself as the organizer and and powerful discourse. Its essence com- Kashmir as the poet. While focusing on The prises the urgent notions of peace and love, Strangers and a myriad of other campaigns, as opposed to confrontation, in a deeply Aishah took a hiatus to explore her next Islamophobic atmosphere. path. Now the mother of a baby girl, she remains an active founder of The Strangers MEET THE SISTERS Organization while pursuing her BSW in Aishah shared the concept for The Strangers social work. Kashmir, who is not only a mother and with her sister after attending a CAIR event hosted by Cyrus McGoldrick, a lyrical a spoken word artist, but also an active artist of Iranian and Irish descent, on how co-founder, works alongside her sister in Islamophobia is impacting Muslims. Inspired hosting and organizing poetry slams. She to employ her talents for a more noble cause, also consults with Aishah on prospective she came to realize that everyone has a role to projects and opportunities. play in battling Islamophobia. The beauty of Her first book, “Nafsi: Jihad Upon My humanity is reflected through our nuanced Self ” (2016), is a collection of fervid Islamic abilities and passions. Kashmir, who enthusi- poetry. She says that her second book, the astically received her sister’s idea, reminisces, self-help “A Muslim Woman’s Manifesto” 36 ISLAMIC HORIZONS MAY/JUNE 2020
(2020), is about “achieving phenomenal success in both worlds. It focuses on the meaning of success through the Islamic lens, and it discusses how we can achieve success in both worlds. It tackles many aspects of a Muslim woman’s life.” Her extensive history with poetry began in high school, where teachers recognized her talent and encouraged her to perform at workshops and local slam competitions. Soon thereafter, she found opportunities on the international stage.
GROWTH AND SUCCESS Of course, launching such an innovative project comes with a few initial impediments. Some expressed qualms about their efforts. But despite working in an atmosphere where people refused to listen, The Strangers has earned its spurs. Over the years, they have hosted numerous events nationwide. One of their more distinguished events is their hosting of the ICNA convention’s annual poetry slam, which invites the youth attendees to create and perform their theme-related poetry. The Strangers is essentially an emblematic microphone for Muslim youth to amplify the voices of the oppressed through its various campaigns. For example, the organization sought to send an open letter to the Chinese embassy about the Muslim Uyghurs by encouraging the youth to submit all forms of creative expression to advocate for this persecuted minority. Through the years, they have collaborated with esteemed organizations like Burma TaskForce, Islamic Relief USA, Janaza project, and more recently, saveuyghur.org and Justice for All (https:// www.jfaweb.org). Their creative flame has become a force for profound altruism and truth. And yet it doesn’t end there, for The Strangers Organization, aside from being a society
