The Unbreakable Sisterhood Black Muslim Women in Edmonton

SSiciida, Sumaya and Sagal, three Black Muslim women, are members of a larger group of women who came together to create spaces for Muslim sisters to connect. The Unbreakable Sisterhood started this past summer in 2022. Because community is something emphasized in their faith, they have been working on creating programming that advances Islamic education, promotes physical wellness, and provides opportunities for sports, as well as socializing and recreation. Participants who come to the various events range in age from teenagers to mothers of teens from many diverse cultures. Unbreakable Sisterhood is based throughout the city of Edmonton. Programs run from Sheikh Ali Sufi Islamic Centre and Omar Bin Khattab mosque on the south side to basketball gym on the north side. The kindness of the community members allows for these opportunities. They are trying to gain momentum by creating programs and reaching out to the community, and “testing out different things right now.”

What led to the creation of this group was the girls’ community involvement and a revival of that spirit inspired by a Toronto group visit. Realizing a need, they took it upon themselves to give back to the community. The group has used word of mouth and Instagram as their public platform. They also have a marketing team and a newsletter to share information with the community. There are Mommy groups, book clubs, both online and in person, and a WhatsApp chat with about 200 Edmonton girls in it.

Even though the organization is open to all women, programming is done with MUSLIM women in mind. There are certain institutions in Edmonton where women have felt hostility or unwelcome with the space. A recent CBC article demonstrates that these sentiments against Islamic men and women run true. Since its inception, the Sisterhood has tried to create welcoming spaces for all types of Muslims. Women from all ethnic communities come out to events.

Sagal Aw-Jama, one of the organizers and mother, aims to bring her children to safe spaces. Many different ethnic communities practice Islam. The group comprises educators, nurses, therapists, and a wide variety of professionals. “Our society today is focused on appearance and beauty,” so getting to know someone with a hijab is getting past that appearance and covering. It is about treating people with respect and the values “our faith teaches us.” Siciida wears her hijab with pride and knows it is an identifier to help her treat others with kindness. Sumaya says her hijab is a “public declaration of her faith.”

Our society today is focused on appearance and beauty, so getting to know someone with a hijab is getting past that appearance and covering. It is about treating people with respect and the values our faith teaches us

Sagal is part of the “Mommy and Me,” which was started because there are many spaces that do not accommodate mothers and small children. Volunteers come to take care of the children while mothers are in sessions. Each month a different topic related to women’s health is covered.

Siciida is finishing up her hours to be a licensed mental health worker. Developing a community of young Muslim university girls interested in mental health and psychology is forthcoming. Mental health is considered for all events and programming for social, physical, mental, and emotional health.

Sagal, Siciida and Sumaya, members of the unbreakable sisterhood, “are very appreciative of the local community, and Edmonton has taken strides to support our initiatives” by providing space, assisting others, and supporting the events. Unbreakable Sisterhood would not be what it was without all the support. These young women are sisters of faith who are making a difference in their communities and the world.

Instagram: Unbreakable Sisterhood