Hindtrospectives
Reem Abdalla, 19, a Legal Permanent Resident, is currently a sophomore studying International Studies at Emory University.
Never have I felt so angry or powerless since Trump was elected. Until recently, it was so easy to stand in solidarity with other lives and to simply call out oppression. However, this weekend was a tough one because I understand how this deeply affects my family and me. Last summer, I had the privilege of visiting my village and meeting my family members for the first time. I met my loving grandma, aunts, cousins etc..
It was the first time in my life I figured out where I came from and where my roots were. The thought of Trump taking that away from me simply terrifies me. The thought of his administration and the society that normalizes his hate disgusts me. The thought of my mom who has been separated from her family for too long in her life hurts me.
I realized that this is not only about me. It’s about the refugees who have no home to go to. To those who have no other alternative and can never enter the U.S. We simply could not help where we were born. I am unapologetically Sudani, and no president will ever take away the pride that I have in my family, my roots, my ethnicity, and religion.
Thank you to all of those who organized so quickly. Thank you to the lawyers who are here to resist <3
Next, we hear words of defiance and strength from an internationally renowned poet.
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